HOWARD JAMES -ART CV
Art Goal:
To pursue the opportunity to build a 3rd life career in visual art. I seek to create art works that are my response to the Australian experience, the environment and Landscape in a way that develops challenges and grows my skills in communicating visually that response to what I see around me.
Art Objectives:
1. To Learn and grow functional skills in using the new mediums to me – Oil and Guache
2. To grow my skills in Water colour and ink experimenting and drawing on my fascintation for Asian art and the understated simplicity of its visual language – The concept of Wabi-Sabi and Sumi-e style, in particular
3. To explore landscapes that fascinate and speak to my aesthetic – such as the Blue Mts, the inland and inland Valleys and river systems
Art Summary:
My current work is a bit of an explosion of possibilities and unresolved energy to get things down on a surface. While it might superficially look undisciplined and unplanned it is a journey of rediscovery of the joy in creating based on a more mature outlook of even down to resolving the images inadequacies, with a “it can fixed” approach, instead of self criticism. Put it aside and come back to it with fresh eyes. I've been amazed at what I haven’t seen in the initial work and image.
The starting point, in this process, is in my comfort zone of Ink/Chinese and Watercolour. I have taken that to different level though by creating larger full sheet works. I have previously always been afraid of the large white space of intimidation that larger pieces present. Again that is a confidence and maturity point for me. I also would rather have the view intrigued and asking who or why, than to give you a clear answer that is only me - art is subjective. Your experience of it is valid.
Formal Qualifications: Degree in Education - Primary 1986 - Charles Sturt
Art studies:
• High School HSC – Major work – expanding foam portrait sculpture based on my naïve response to aging and decay
• Teachers College – 2 years Study – Painting – Water Colour, acrylic and ceramics as an elective in initial Teaching studies (Diploma) 1976 -78
• 80’s – 3 years study with Master Amy Huang Chinese ink and Sumi-e,
Bonsai art (TAFE – Charlestown)
• 90’s and naughties – nothing (almost) – Life n children professional administrative career, raising children, Occassional pen and ink sketches – natural and architectural!
• 2000’s – Employment / Recruitment Career – Community based and commercial
• 2020 – Covid Home isolation – Re-visiting / re –learning Chinese Ink and watercolour after a retreat to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains.
exploring Kintsugi – Wabi Sabi
Oil Painting – University of YouTube
2022 - Hamilton Hum – Jane Lander – teacher