John Laford is an Ojibwa artist from Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He has thoroughly studied his culture and studied art at Algonquin College in Pembroke, Ontario. He has also studied pottery in New Mexico and the old pictographs, or rock paintings of his ancestors. Although he sees himself as a self-taught artist, these studies have brought him social awareness, leading to an openness towards many ancient and contemporary styles. John Laford is an accomplished and successful native artist. John makes his home by the shores of Lake Superior where many of his inspirations come. He has been the recipient of a Canada Council award which enabled him to travel and gain exposure internationally. His works have been shown across Canada and from Phoenix to New York in the USA. He has shown in Barcelona, Spain and many corporations have John Laford paintings adorning their walls.