David John was born in Liverpool and trained as an artist at the Liverpool College of Art. Leaving England in 1969 he has lived in South Africa, Canada, Ireland, the Canary Islands, and Australia, painting and writing short stories before settling in Arrowtown, New Zealand a decade later.

His reputation became firmly established in New Zealand, not only as an award winning artist and writer but also as a playwright and actor. He has written and directed three plays and a musical for community theatre and has gained stage experience with drama groups and theatre-sport.

Arrowtown is a rich source of inspiration for David John’s art, having provided material to illustrate three books about the gold mining town’s history as well as inspiration for his paintings, poetry and the stage musical ‘RUSH!’. Over 40,000 people have now seen this smash hit show in New Zealand theatres.

David's studio is open to the public at Manse Road, Arrowtown, New Zealand.

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