About
John Robert Hatherly
Awaken curiosity.
Inspire wonder.
Uplift neighbors.
Illuminate life.
Rinse. Repeat.
The Infinite Search
I'm a Chicago-based artist whose practice spans abstract painting, participatory experiences, and collaborative exploration. My work emerges from a belief that art isn't just something we see—it's something we experience, share, and live.
In my studio practice, I work with color and abstraction to create pieces that invite deep looking and reflection. These same principles of attention and presence flow into my participatory works, where I design experiences that help people rediscover their sense of wonder and connection to the world around them.
Whether I'm creating large-scale paintings or guiding small groups through urban adventures, my goal is to create spaces where curiosity can flourish and unexpected connections can emerge. These shared moments of discovery become opportunities to pause, to notice, and to connect more deeply with our surroundings and each other.
My work has found homes in collections across the globe and has been featured at The Chicago Design Museum, The Other Art Fair Chicago, The Chicago Fine Art Salon, Fulton Street Collective, among others. But what excites me most is seeing how art and shared experience can transform the way we see and move through the world.
I approach each project with a spirit of play and contemplation, believing that transformation happens when we stay curious and open to discovery. Through Sondwerk—my studio for creative exploration—I'm constantly searching for new ways to create experiences that awaken wonder and inspire connection.
Sondwerk: A spiritual place of inquiry and play—a container for hope and action.
Sondar - To seek, to sound.
Werk - a place to GSD.
Coöperation, Wisdom, Humility, Love