Tell us about your creative journey…
Ever since I could pick up a pencil, I’ve been scribbling away, creating art. I grew up in Guernsey and, by my teens, I knew I would pursue a career in art in some way. I studied illustration at Falmouth School of Art in Cornwall, before returning to the islands in my mid-20s.
Pictured: James said he always knew he wanted to pursue a creative career.
I began a career in graphic design, with the then-advertising and marketing agency Wallace Barnaby, moving up from designer to Creative Director in a few companies. Throughout that time, I was still painting and drawing and honing my skills.
As a keen surfer and with a deep connection for the sea, I painted a lot of seascapes in my spare time. A few years ago, I decided to put down the computer mouse and pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist.
Since then, I have been working on fascinating projects, from large scale murals to sets of postage stamps (which went to the palace for Royal approval!).
This year, the highlights for me have been a retrospective solo exhibition at Art for Guernsey Gallery of the extensive sketchbook work William Turner did within the Channel Islands, and of course my upcoming solo exhibition.
What’s your favourite thing to paint?
I love bright, bold colours, and with my affinity for the sea and the beauty surrounding us – the dramatic coastlines, stunning scenery, and beautiful beaches.
Pictured: James “loves” to use bright and bold colours in his work – present here in his take on Sark’s Coupee.
I strive to amplify the best bits of island life.
How did your Jersey series come to be?
Jasmine from JARO Gallery reached out to me earlier this year to explore the possibility of an exhibition and I jumped at the opportunity.
Since then, I’ve been making regular expeditions to Jersey with my sketchbook and watercolours and exploring the spots on the island I connect with.
Pictured: James’ sketch of the landscape at La Corbière.
The highlights for me were Rozel, Plémont and Portelet.
If I had to choose one that I connect with the most it’s St Ouen’s Bay, for the memories I have surfing there many times with friends, going to the Watersplash and dining in the restaurants along that coastline.
For my art, to get a deeper connection with the place, memories and nostalgia play a big role.
Do Guernsey and Jersey’s coastline differ at all when it comes to painting?
I love to paint all the islands for their similarities and their quirks.
When exploring by foot or bicycle, you really get to find the character of the place. It’s only this year I realised that the sand and rocks in Jersey are a different colour, much deeper pinks and brown hues.
I think the main difference for me is the expanse of the beaches on Jersey, which I think makes for epic scenery. Hopefully I portrayed that in my exhibition.
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This article first appeared in the October edition of Connect Magazine, which you can read in full below…
Pictured top: James painting in the outdoors. (Matt Le Page)