Continually drawing, painting or experimenting in grandpa’s shop, John began his fascination with craft at an early age. Encouraged by an artistic family, creating was an everyday occurrence. Although largely self-taught, John’s skill and interest in design continually grew stronger. After working summers with a variety of tradesmen in the family remodeling business, and a stint at a retail store involved in management, his desire for challenge, to learn and create, prompted him to set a course to use his creative abilities. In a short time, he was the design director at a television station. This was a perfect fit, allowing John to use the variety of design and management skills he had developed. Throughout this time, John began to acquire tools to help in the remodeling of his first house. The tools provided the means to explore a long held desire to build furniture.

John has been building furniture for about fifteen years, primarily pieces of his own design. His mastery of hand tools provides the means to achieve the superb fit, finish and fine detail for which his furniture is being recognized. The closer you look at one of John’s pieces, the more his uncompromising attention to detail reveals itself. John continues to grow by reading, teaching, and attending seminars. His enthusiasm and desire to learn prompted the founding of the Conover Workshops Apprentice Program, where he is also Vice President of their Scholarship Program.

John left his most recent television position as Creative Director at KUSI-TV in San Diego to establish Jovanni Inc., through which he is pursuing his passion - designing and building furniture.

Seven time Emmy Award Nominee.

Two time Emmy Award Winner: Set Design; Outstanding Individual Achievement--Graphic Design.

Winner of Mead Top Sixty Award for Excellence in the Graphic Arts.

Instructor: Conover Workshops, Parkman Ohio

Design in Wood Exhibit 2001 winnings: SDFWA Presidents Award; second place for Finishing.

Work shown in: Fine Woodworking; Workbench; Workshop News; Woodworker West.

San Diego Home and Garden Magazine feature article October 2001.

HGTV (Home and Garden Television) Featured Artist for “Modern Masters Show.”

Design in Wood Exhibit 2002 winnings: Excellence in Design--Workbench Magazine; Sponsors ChoicePerpetual Trophy; Excellence in Design & Craftsmanship--American Furniture Design; second place for Contemporary Furniture; third place for Finishing.

San Diego Home and Garden Magazine: feature article in September 2002 issue.

Featured artist “Wood Art Today” a hard bound art book.

Design in Wood Exhibit 2003 winnings: 2nd place SDFWA Presidents Award: 4th place Contemporary Furniture.

MTV “The Real World”: Furniture featured on show Jan 2004 through June 2004.

San Diego Home & Garden Magazine: Bath of the year 2004, Best Detail, Vanity.

San Diego Union Tribune: Feature article in february 12, 2004.

Woodworker West Magazine: Cover and feature profile, May/June 2004.

Design in Wood Exhibit 2004: Excellence in Design--Workbench Magazine for “Something Special” table.

Coastal Living Magazine: Featured Modirondack Chair, July August 2004.

 

 

Accomplishments