Artist Profile

David James
Nelson New Zealand
Artist’s Statement
The intention and goal of my creative practice is to engage the viewer at a visceral level with thoughts, ideas, and prophetic allusions that connect them to something deeper in life. My development as an artist has been parallel with my development as an observer of humanity and of the human condition, through relationships, community, and isolation. I am forever intrigued by the resilience of humans, the stupidity, and the absolute beauty that cries out to be met by another. My focus, since returning to art-making again is simply to make work that connects with people by somehow mirroring back to them some of their deepest feelings and inner thoughts. I believe we all must connect and we’re made for community and togetherness.
Biography
Born in 1976
Living and working in Nelson, New Zealand
David James’ art practice explores the sensitivity and control of traditional figurative drawing, disrupted by techniques to allow emotive and prophetic narratives to emerge and express our humanity in relationship with our creator. David holds an undergraduate qualification in Visual Arts majoring in painting and drawing, and Master’s degree in Art & Design for which he achieved First-Class honours for his work in video installation.
Qualifications
Master of Arts (Art & Design)
AUT Auckland University of Technology
2005-2007
Certificate in Adult Teaching
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
2009
Diploma in Visual Arts (Level7)
Nelson Polytechnic
1996-1998
Awards
Cretney Award for Excellence in Education (2009)
Selected Exhibition History
Solo Shows
2018 Song of all Songs ATELIER Studio Gallery
2019 Speculum Humanae Dei ATELIER Studio|Gallery
Group Shows
2018 Quality of Life ATELIER Studio|Gallery
2019 Downscale ATELIER Studio|Gallery
2020 Stations of the Cross ATELIER Studio|Gallery
2020 IMAGE + TEXT ATELIER Studio|Gallery