In his work, Belfast-based textile artist John Laurence playfully borrows elements from wallpaper and fabric design to create indulgent and grandiose collages. Seeking to manipulate and deconstruct pattern in innovative and colourful ways, he brings together preexisting fabric designs and embellishes pieces indulgently with beads, buttons, sequins, diamantes, and other materials.

He deploys fabric like paint, embellishes beyond the constraints of gilded frames, and screen-prints and hand-stitches pattern over pattern. This recontextualizing of upholstery fabrics with various patterned fabrics and design motifs produces a vast number of unique design possibilities, which John explores with a Fauvist colour palette and a penchant for extravagance.

In producing his work, John takes inspiration from the decorative arts, including William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement, as well as the Rocaille and Chippendale styles. Contemporary references include the work of textile artist Michael Brennand Wood and abstract painter and printmaker Howard Hodgkin.

Laurence's work has been shown in solo, group, and touring exhibitions across Ireland, and his work has been featured in various publications, including The Ulster Star, Irish News, and Ireland's Home Interiors & Living. John received his Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Fine & Applied Arts from the University of Ulster–Belfast in 2004 and his Postgraduate Certificate of Art & Design Education from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2008.

In addition to his work as a practicing artist, John has served as an art educator in the UK and internationally in Kazakhstan, South Korea and Vietnam.