JOHN DEAL
Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada
Phone: 416-819-3325
Email: mrdeal1@gmail.com
Websites: mrjohndeal.com | marketpowerinnovation.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrdeal
EDUCATION
2017
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Double-Major: Innovation and New Technology; Information Systems
2011
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario
Interdisciplinary Arts, Media, and Design
In progress at time of departure
2001
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Art History
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
2000
Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)
University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta
Drawing and Painting, Photography, Sculpture, New Media
Awarded with Distinction
Dean’s List, 1999
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE SUMMARY
Visual artist, curator, instructor, and arts professional working across studio practice, exhibitions, education, fabrication, and cultural production. Professional activity includes independent artistic practice, artist-run initiatives, commercial gallery work, institutional leadership, teaching, and long-term project management within postsecondary arts environments.
EXHIBITIONS
2019 – Experiencing Perspectives, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Mississauga, Ontario
2018 – Project 31: Annual Auction, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario
2017 – Project 31: Annual Auction, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario
2016 – Project 31: Annual Auction, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario
2014 – Laser Painting, Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto, Ontario
2013 – Landscapes, Agnes Jamieson Gallery, Minden Hills, Ontario
2012 – Annual Group Show, Grimsby Public Art Gallery, Grimsby, Ontario
2011 – Experiencing Perspectives, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Mississauga, Ontario
2006 – The Seven Deadly Sins, Latcham Gallery, Stouffville, Ontario
2005 – Look to the Armour of the House of the Soul; eat and drink for tomorrow we die, River Restaurant, Toronto, Ontario
2004 – Future Cities, Art Gallery of Hamilton, off-site exhibition at Hamilton City Hall, Hamilton, Ontario
From the mid-1990s onward, Deal exhibited extensively in artist-run, independent, and site-based contexts across Ontario, Alberta, and abroad.
PUBLICATIONS, WRITING, AND MEDIA CONTRIBUTIONS
2019 – T.M. Glass: The Audible Language of Flowers, On Site Gallery, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2003 – Rebecca Hackemann and Real Patry: In Stereo, Hamilton Artists’ Inc., Hamilton, Ontario. Published by Hamilton Artists’ Inc. ISBN 1-894861-10-8
2003 – Ernest Harris Jr.: Julene, Hamilton Artists’ Inc., Hamilton, Ontario. Published by Hamilton Artists’ Inc. ISBN 1-894861-04-3
2002 – Christina Sealey and Matthew Carver: Configuration, Hamilton Artists’ Inc., Hamilton, Ontario. Published by Hamilton Artists’ Inc.
2001–Present – Art event reviews and critical writing, View Magazine, Hamilton, Ontario
Contributing photographer and writer for BlogTO, DineTO, and Vacancy Magazine
TEACHING, TALKS, AND WORKSHOPS
2021 – Health and Safety Seminar for Artists, The Artists Network, online
2019 – Digital/Analogue: Hybrid Processes in the Arts, UAL Erasmus Staff Week, London, United Kingdom
2011 – Art in the Digital Age, private sponsors presentation and workshop on the use of digital technology in art production. Additional programming for David Hockney’s Fresh Flowers: Drawings on iPhones and iPads
COURSE INSTRUCTION
Paint & Digital: Production (DRPT-3026-001), OCAD University
2019 – Paint & Digital: Production
2019 – Paint & Digital Imaging
2018 – Paint & Digital: Production
2014 – Health and Safety and Studio Etiquette in the Arts, R. H. King Academy, Toronto, Ontario
1997-2024 – Various workshops
AREAS OF INSTRUCTION
Studio and exhibition practice; professional artistic practice; documentation and condition reporting; digital imaging and design; three-dimensional modelling and visualization; animation; digital-to-physical workflows supporting fabrication, installation, and material translation.
RESEARCH AND PROJECT WORK
2015 – Digital Easel, research collaboration with OCAD University and Morphosis Design
Development of mobile and remote digital painting tools supporting hybrid studio workflows
2013 – aMotion App, research collaboration with OCAD University and the University of Toronto
Exploration of planar sectioning, spatial analysis, and three-dimensional visualization
Ongoing independent project-based research into hybrid image production, including digital modelling, additive and subtractive rapid processes, mechanical reproduction, and iterative translation between physical and digital media.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Manager, Studio Services
NSCAD University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
2024–Present
Senior leadership role overseeing studio operations, staff supervision, health and safety systems, procurement, scheduling, and technical infrastructure across multiple fine art and design disciplines.
Academic Technician, Instructor, and Project Manager
OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario
2006–2025
Technical, Instructional, and Project leadership role supporting studio programs, fundraising, exhibitions, program development and support (DPXA), rapid prototyping, curriculum-integrated learning, and large-scale initiatives across multiple departments (Digital Painting Atelier, Project 31, Project Management).
Independent Curator, Art Handler, Installer, and Exhibition Producer
Canada
2003–Present
Provided curatorial, installation, collection management, condition reporting, logistics coordination, and event production services for artists, galleries, institutions, and private clients.
Selected clients include Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Children’s Aid Foundation, Mike Weiss Gallery (New York), and private collectors.
Gallery Preparator / Registrar / Sales Associate
Miriam Shiell Fine Art, Toronto, Ontario
Professional gallery role supporting exhibitions, sales, installation, collections management, and client services.
Founder and Organizer, GAG (Artist-Run Gallery)
Hamilton, Ontario
Early 2000s
Founded and operated an independent artist-run gallery supporting exhibitions, events, and emerging artistic practices, with responsibility for operations, production, artist coordination, and public programming.
COMMUNITY AND EARLY PRACTICE
2003 – Art Coordinator and Instructor, Youth-at-Risk arts program, John Howard Society and Youth Services Canada, Hamilton, Ontario
1997 – Art instruction and client-based creative programming, Brain Injury Services of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario
AWARDS AND GRANTS
2003 – Exhibition Assistance, Ontario Arts Council
COLLECTIONS
University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta – Trestle Bridge Mural
Taylor Leibow LLP, Hamilton, Ontario
Additional works held in private collections
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Project Management Institute, Toronto Chapter
Hamilton Artists’ Inc., Hamilton, Ontario: Board of Directors, Secretary, 2002–2003