Interview
John Diehl
John Diehl (b.1982) is a multidisciplinary artist known for his large-scale geometric paintings that merge precision, physicality, and creative exploration. Based in Middleboro, Massachusetts, his work is a blend of disciplined geometry and freehand technique, resulting in pieces that are as visually striking as they are conceptually profound. With over 1,000 paintings in his body of work, John’s practice is rooted in an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship. From building his own canvases to plotting intricate designs by hand, each step of his process is infused with intention and care. His art is characterized by its geometric clarity, featuring his favorite form - the equilateral triangle - while simultaneously embracing the fluidity and imperfections of freehand execution. Every line, every angle carries the imprint of his years of experience, patience, and resilience. Classically trained as a pianist and influenced by the Italian Renaissance, which he studied in Florence, Italy, John draws from a wide range of influences, from classical architecture to modern minimalism. His work reflects a deep engagement with the concepts of refined sophistication and elegant restraint. John received his B.A. in graphic design in 2005 from Bridgewater State University with additional studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Florence, Italy.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in the art world began with a study abroad program in Florence, where I immersed myself in the Italian Renaissance and the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, and Botticelli. This classical foundation fueled my passion for precision and form, which later evolved into my focus on large-scale geometric paintings. Over time, I embraced a multidisciplinary approach, combining traditional techniques with the exploration of outdoor installations and experimental exhibits.”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired by the contrast between structure and chaos - how human-made forms and natural environments interact. The geometry of architecture, the balance of nature, and even the limitations of my own body inspire me to push the boundaries of what’s physically and mentally possible. I also draw inspiration from extreme isolation, where I find the quiet necessary to focus on form and scale.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Juxtaposition and refinement are key themes in my work. I’m fascinated by the dialogue between precision and spontaneity, between control and freedom. My large-scale paintings are created through a meticulous freehand process, highlighting the tension between human imperfection and geometric perfection. There’s an underlying message of perseverance, character, and the human capacity to push limits, both in art and life.”
How would you describe your work?
“I describe my work as Geometric Formalism, which explores infinite possibilities through shape, symmetry, and spatial relationships. It is defined by a fusion of precision and freehand spontaneity. My large-scale geometric paintings blend refined technicality with the organic imperfections of manual line painting. I see them as both architectural and fluid, a visual conversation between restraint and expansiveness.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’m deeply influenced by Michelangelo for his monumental forms and the way he pushed physical boundaries in his work. Kazimir Malevich and the Suprematists inspire me for their bold geometric abstraction, while Edward Hopper and his eye for line selection and ability to visually edit encourages my designs. I also draw influence from contemporary artists who challenge traditional spaces, like Christo and Jeanne-Claude.”
“Juxtaposition and refinement are key themes in my work. I’m fascinated by the dialogue between precision and spontaneity, between control and freedom.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is physically intense and requires meticulous planning. I build my own canvases, which is the first step toward creating an intimate connection with each piece. After that, I plot the geometry using rulers and pencils but paint entirely freehand. The painting process is grueling and demanding on both body and mind. Recently, I’ve been working on ‘The Golden Staircase,’ my largest and most challenging painting, which involves working from a platform I designed specifically for the piece. My process is methodical, but it thrives on the juxtaposition of discipline and the human touch.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and bridge the gap between the seen and unseen. As artists, we offer a lens through which people can examine not only the world around them but also the intricacies of their internal landscapes. For me, this role extends to pushing physical and conceptual boundaries, whether through the expansive scale of my geometric work or the juxtaposition of human imperfection with mathematical precision. I see the artist’s role evolving alongside technology and societal shifts. As we become more connected digitally, art has the potential to both unify and isolate. With AI, for example, we can explore new dimensions of creativity while questioning the nature of human authorship. Outdoor exhibitions and nomadic art-making, like my Flamingo Project, signal a movement away from the confines of traditional galleries and museums, bringing art directly into the natural world and unorthodox spaces. In the future, I believe artists will take on a more interdisciplinary role, fusing technology, environmental consciousness, and human experience to challenge traditional narratives and connect with society on a deeper, more immersive level. Art, as it evolves, will continue to redefine the boundaries of where, how, and why we create.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of my most significant exhibitions to date was the Flamingo Project, which I launched in early 2024. It was a bold experiment in nomadic art-making, where I pushed the boundaries of conventional exhibition spaces. I set up a temporary studio in Palm Springs, California, and shipped materials to create a large-scale geometric canvas and 35 drawings. The painting, Flamingo, 2024, was exhibited outdoors in Wonder Valley, a remote desert location, creating a striking contrast between the controlled, geometric abstraction of the artwork and the untamed desert landscape. This project was more than just an exhibition; it was a rethinking of how art interacts with its environment. By exhibiting outdoors, I explored the potential of immersive, site-specific installations and moved beyond the constraints of traditional galleries. The Flamingo Project marked a shift in my practice, setting the stage for future outdoor installations that challenge the norms of where and how art should be displayed.”
Website: diehlstudio.io
Instagram: @diehlstudio
