About
Introduction
John Diehl (b.1982) is a interdisciplinary artist and innovator, bridging the worlds of freehand geometric painting and engineered light motion. Known for his monumental, precision-driven compositions, his work explores the tension between human craftsmanship and structured form.
The Golden Staircase in process
Based in Middleboro, Massachusetts, John's process is an act of perseverance—from constructing his own canvases to executing complex forms entirely by hand. His signature equilateral triangle serves as both foundation and challenge, reflecting the interplay between precision and human imperfection.
His lifelong commitment to discipline, instilled early as an Eagle Scout continues to drive his relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Arcwright Project & Lightcasting
John’s artistic vision extends beyond traditional painting into the orchestration of light itself. Through The Arcwright Project, he has pioneered Lightcasting—the precise engineering of light into structured motion, where halos and luminous orbits are architected forms.
This process is documented through Luminography, the visual record of engineered light, where halos are not merely photographed but archived as kinetic geometry in motion. Just as photography captures fleeting moments, Luminography reveals the unseen structure of moving light, preserving what would otherwise be ephemeral.
Flamingo exhibited in Wonder Valley, CA
The Flamingo Project & Nomadic Art
John’s creative vision extends beyond the studio. His Flamingo Project, a pioneering experiment in nomadic art-making, challenges the traditional boundaries of where and how art is created and exhibited. By setting up temporary studios in remote locations and showcasing his works in natural landscapes, he explores the intersection of geometric abstraction and the untamed environment, inviting audiences to experience art outside conventional gallery settings.
Classical Influences and Artistic Vision
A classically trained pianist and scholar of the Italian Renaissance, John’s work embodies balance and restraint. His studies in Florence, Italy, immersed him in the principles of Michelangelo, Bernini, and Botticelli. His practice merges classical rigor with modern minimalism, whether through hand-painted geometry or engineered halos.
Artificial Painting No. 4 (Future Formal Collection)
AI Art & The Digital Renaissance
John’s work extends into AI-generated art, where he explores the evolving dialogue between human creativity and machine intelligence. His AI works, inspired by his geometric paintings and titles, challenge the perceptions of art in the digital age.
Beyond visual creation, John collaborates with his artificial assistant, Enzo, an AI he actively engages with to refine ideas, develop strategies, and articulate his evolving body of work. This partnership is more than assistance—it is an extension of his exploration of intelligence and engineered creativity during the Imagination Age.
Outrun No. 2 exhibited in studio
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond fine art, John is a pioneer in creative entrepreneurship. As a founding figure in the modern beard movement, he developed over 50 product lines, earning Shopify’s Silver Milestone for fulfilling 100,000+ orders across 130 countries.
John is also a former gallery owner, giving him a rare perspective on the art world—both as an artist and as a curator. This experience informs his approach to presenting and positioning his work, allowing him to navigate the fine art landscape with both creative vision and strategic insight.
Education
John holds a B.A. in graphic design in from Bridgewater State University, with additional studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Florence, Italy.
