John A. & Peter K.

Biography

John Alexander has been photographing his surroundings since his teens. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, John moved to Toronto in 1978 to study photography at Ryerson. Along with work on corporate brochures and reports, John has exhibited at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, and during the CONTACT Festival in Toronto.

In addition to local art and craft shows, John has presented his photos in Toronto bars, restaurants and museums. In March of 2015, John was awarded First prize for his photograph of an Ontario Orchid at the Royal Botanical Gardens Orchid Society Show. He is passionate about the conservation of our natural environment and is currently the Co-Chair of the Southern Ontario Orchid Society and the Canadian Orchid Congress.

John’s partner, Peter Kaellgren, has shared in bird watching and flower hunting. Peter’s interest in nature was inspired by his late father Rev. Andreas K. Kaellgren. Peter served as a curator of European Decorative arts at the Royal Ontario Museum from 1972 to 2009. He earned a PHD in art history from the University of Delaware in 1987. He has lectured extensively and published many articles. A passion for preserving and appreciating nature inspires John and Peter’s search for unusual plants.

Image: Peter Helping John Photograph by Anne Barbour