John R Taylor, a distinguished alumnus of Ryerson University's esteemed Design program, class of 1961, has traversed a storied and illustrious career within the realm of visual arts. Throughout his professional journey, he has occupied a multitude of esteemed positions, including the founding directorship of the Tom Thomson Memorial Gallery, where his expertise and vision have contributed significantly to the institution's growth and development.
Subsequently, he served as the trusted assistant to the director at the renowned Art Gallery of Ontario, providing invaluable support and guidance to the gallery's leadership. His impressive curatorial skills were further showcased during his tenure as the curator of the collection at the Ontario College of Art, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the gallery's artistic direction and aesthetic.
Taylor's professional trajectory has also been marked by his tenure as the director of the Art Gallery of Cobourg, a position that allowed him to leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to drive the gallery's programs and exhibitions forward. Moreover, his directorship at the Penticton Art Gallery has been characterized by his unwavering commitment to promoting and celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.
Throughout his distinguished career, John R Taylor has established himself as a respected and accomplished figure within the visual arts community, leaving an indelible mark on the institutions he has served and the artists he has supported.
John's creative endeavors extend far beyond the realm of visual arts, as he has also enjoyed a prosperous career in film and television, spanning over three decades.
His foray into the world of cinema commenced in the 1980s, where he made his debut in student films, subsequently being represented by the esteemed talent agency, Characters and RED Management, for an impressive 25-year tenure.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has had the privilege of appearing in a diverse array of lead, supporting, and principal roles in numerous productions, including the critically acclaimed series X-Files, The Pledge, Smokin' Aces, Watchmen, Supernatural, The Killing, and Stargate, to name a few.
Notably, John has had the opportunity to collaborate with a plethora of renowned actors and directors, including the incomparable Robert DeNiro, the talented Ellen Barkin, the charismatic Henry Winkler, the versatile Diane Keaton, the accomplished Peter Sarsgaard, and the legendary Jack Nicholson.
John has been honored with a remarkable two nominations for the prestigious Best Actor Leo Awards, showcasing his exceptional talent in his leading roles in the 2010 film "The Grey Matter" and the 2013 film "Backward Fall". Furthermore, his outstanding performances in "Backward Fall" have earned him a total of two "Best Performance by a Male Actor" awards, recognizing his remarkable skill at the Vancouver Short Film Festival and the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival.
John, a skilled and accomplished Production Designer, boasts an impressive resume featuring a vast array of creative credits. With a diverse portfolio that spans multiple mediums, he has had the privilege of working on over 30 independent short films, two feature-length productions, and three television series that have been broadcast on the renowned Comedy Network.
Throughout his career, John has garnered recognition and accolades for his outstanding work. Notably, he took home a prestigious Nickel award for his contribution to the feature film "Dark Arc", a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft. Additionally, he received a coveted Leo award for his work on the critically acclaimed short indie film "Evirati", further solidifying his reputation as a talented and innovative Production Designer.
John has not only made a name for himself as a filmmaker, but has also explored the realms of writing and directing, diversifying his creative pursuits.
In the year 2012, John embarked on a new endeavor, penning and helming his inaugural short film, "Says Who?", a cinematic masterpiece that garnered significant recognition. Notably, this film was nominated for a prestigious screenwriting Leo award, a testament to John's exceptional storytelling abilities.
The film's success extended beyond the realm of awards, as it was showcased at various esteemed festivals across three continents. These festivals included events held in British Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Italy, providing John with a platform to share his work with a global audience.
One of the most notable accolades bestowed upon "Says Who?" was the Best Director Award at the Shortini International Film Festival in Augusta, Italy, in the year 2013. This recognition served as a crowning achievement for John, solidifying his position as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
