Born in California in 1922, John Wood served as a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II before pursuing his career in the arts. His educational background and subsequent teaching roles were central to his development as a practitioner who sought to expand the boundaries of the photographic medium.

Wood is recognized for his innovative approach to image-making, which frequently integrated diverse materials and non-traditional processes. By moving beyond the standard photographic print, he explored the intersection of photography with other artistic disciplines, influencing the discourse around experimental lens-based work.

He maintained a long-standing commitment to both his creative output and his role as an educator. At the time of his death, he resided in Baltimore, Maryland, where he continued his artistic practice alongside fellow artist Laurie Snyder.