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Q. Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist…
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A. I was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1955. I studied architecture at Pratt Institute, but then I realized that painting afforded me more in the way of expression, especially abstract painting. I have acted in a bunch of theater and film as well with pretty diverse directors and performed musically for many years as well. I love any creative pursuits and when I have taken breaks in painting over the years I have pursued them with just as much fervor.
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Q. What is your creative process ?
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A. I’m a big believer in showing up, picking up a brush or whatever and just letting my body and instincts give direction. To me the best works have come from learning how to surrender.
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Q. Your main character trait?
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A. Persistent humility.
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Q. Describe your work in three words...
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A. Curious, connective, surprising.
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Jimmie James
Jimmie James is a multifaceted artist, excelling in poetry, painting, acting, and...
"Times spent thru the nineties in NYC when Manhattan was a mecca for the arts; music, painting, dance, theater. Being in such an abundance of like minded created such an exciting and vibrant time for me".
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Q. Has your origins from NYC influenced your practice in a way?
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A. Sure, I am grateful for times spent thru the nineties in NYC when Manhattan was a mecca for the arts; music, painting, dance, theater. Being in such an abundance of like minded created such an exciting and vibrant time for me.
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Q. Who are the contemporary art figures who influenced you the most?
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A. Always loved Cy Twombly and Amy Sillman and many others.
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Q. What makes you laugh?
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A. Simple things mostly. I should say that at times I can find myself laughing when I paint, I find it an extraordinary process with moments of real joy.
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Q. What do you enjoy the most about your friends ?
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A. Their warmth; I love that we have been there for each other through thick and thin for many, many years.
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Q. Your favorite color?
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A. When?, I’d ask, ha..I love them all though at times some resonate with me more then others. But if you held me to it, today I’d say orange, but ask me tomorrow and?..
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Q. What makes you nervous?
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A. I guess I’d say being human. Especially as I’ve gotten older I see my vulnerability on a bunch of levels I wasn’t aware of earlier. It’s tricky because it also has made me more empathetic and focused.
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Q. If you could have diner with anyone dead or alive?
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A. I think I’d have to say my mom. I didn’t get to say certain things to her on an adult level. She died as a younger woman. It would be nice to sit, have a meal and talk.
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Q. Are you experiencing any blocks in your practice right now ?
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A. No, I’m grateful to say. I do think blocks for me are really times I need to be percolating internally which I think is just as much a part of the process.
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Q. Your dream of happiness ?
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A. To find a house in nature I could have my son and his family come and stay and be a place of refuge for them.
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Q. What makes you excited about the future ?
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A. My grandchildren.
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Q. Current state of mind ?
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A. I’m excited to connect to more people thru my art, and grateful for the opportunity to work with The Curators on this project.
Jimmie James
Jimmie James is a multifaceted artist, excelling in poetry, painting, acting, and...
