Artist Profile

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