Graduated from Ridgemont High School, Ottawa in 1967, the University of Waterloo where he earned his Honours B.A. in Fine Arts in 1974, and from York University where he earned his MFA in Visual Arts in 1979.
In 2011, appointed to receive the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours.
Has three children with his wife Amanda Lewis: Alexander (Xan), Magdalene (Maddy), and Lewis.