My name is John Leonard Byer. I was born on September 10, 1947. I have lived my entire life in the rural village of Phoenicia. Phoenicia is in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. The Art Colony of Woodstock is a nearby influence.

My interest in art began at Onteora Central High School where we often took school trips to explore the art museums in New York City. I was encouraged to continue my education in the arts by my high school art teacher. After graduation, I went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz.

After a brief career in teaching, I found greater satisfaction in carpentry. Working in various environments and with natural materials was more to my liking. Building country homes — large sculptures — led to the use of wood in my smaller creations. Being an outdoorsman, with an interest in Native American Culture, I began using antler, bone, beads, and stone.

My work reflects the influences of Henry Moore, Georgia O’Keeffe and Native American Art: Henry Moore in my simple shaping of wood and the use of its natural beauty; Georgia O’Keeffe in my use of skulls, bones and antlers; Native American Art in the over-all appearance of some constructions.