John Topelko

1925

John Topelko was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys skiing, hiking, canoeing, sailing, and mountain climbing. Thus immersed in Canada's wilderness, he had ample time to absorb its beauty and to reflect on ways of expressing his appreciation.
John Topelko, a long-time resident of Ottawa, was formerly art director at Canterbury High School. He received a Canada Council Grant in 1974 and 1976 for explorations in printmaking and has lectured on block print techniques.
From 1986, John's works paintings have been featured in many solo exhibits in Ontario. His paintings can be found in collections in Ottawa Parliament buildings, across Canada, England, the United States, Japan and the Ukraine.

"In my works I do not merely describe the visible world: I select, arrange and rearrange, and emphasize as I attempt to interpret the moods, the character and spirit of the country."