A native of San Diego, John Duckworth bought his first camera at age 7. At age 19 he became assistant to California painter David Baze. John recounts that time as a pivotal moment in his life. In 1993 John threw a dart at a map of the U.S., vowing to leave for the biggest East Coast city it landed near-lucky for him, it landed near Charleston, S.C. where he has been ever since. The move was precipitated by a desire to recreate himself, to push himself as an artist and to find his own voice.

John received a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the College of Charleston-earning the Laura M.Bragg Award for excellence. He has since studied with some of the best artists in the country, including Bill Dunlap and Brian Rutenberg.

As a painter and photographer, John challenges his means of expression by working in a variety of techniques and styles-always reinventing himself. A frequent collaborator, he has created with and for symphonies, museums, filmmakers, and commercial collections around the world.