John Bateman was born in Burlington, Ontario in 1968. His early years were spent in the rural surroundings of the Niagara Escarpment with many natural and artistic influences around him.
In 1977, at age 9 John moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with his mother, step father, older brother and sister. In January, 1990, John enrolled in the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) where he majored in Printmaking and Sculpture.
In 1992 Bateman suspended his studies to open a recording studio. During this time, John began designing album covers and eventually sat as a judge for the Juno awards in the design category. In 1998, tired of working in front of a computer for a living, John returned to NSCAD to complete his BFA. Upon completion of his degree, he joined NSCAD woodshop director Ken Lamb as a shop technician and teaching assistant. Through Ken's enthusiasm and knowledge, John’s passion for woodworking began.
In January of 2001, John and his then partner Jocelyn moved to Kenya to work in a furniture production shop. There he supervised proper wood treatment, drying and categorizing. In September of that same year the two moved to Salt Spring Island with the intention of settling down and starting a family.
John continues to explore and refine his skills as a woodworking artist, humorist, comedy writer, podcaster, event host. He is a Champion for Anxiety Canada and sits on the board of directors for the Bateman Foundation. He now resides on Salt Spring Island and has two children, Annie and James.
