James was born in London, England in 1962, and although he studied art at school, it was not until he immigrated to New York City in 1982 and found himself working as a painter that he started to grow and understand color and different mediums.  However, it was the discovery of Venetian plaster in the mid-eighties that really captured his attention and its potential as not just a wall finish but as a living, breathing entity more than capable of hanging as art.  James’ time in New York put him in front of some of America’s best artisans in the field of interior decorating and faux finishing, and was consequentially privileged to call Jackie Onassis, The Rockefellers, Yoko Ono, Donald Trump, and many more as clients. 

James did not truly explore the potential of Venetian plaster as a medium to create art until 1994.  It was at this time that James relocated to Atlanta and proceeded to perfect his technique while continuing as a faux and decorative painter achieving a success consistent with New York.  Since being in Atlanta, James has had the pleasure of working with the Turner family amongst other prominent Atlanta residents, and his work has been featured in Southern Living, House Beautiful, Atlanta, and Veranda magazines.  It still took James several years experimenting with Venetian plaster on various surfaces before he was able to achieve the finish and depth he was striving for in art. 

James’ inspiration has been drawn from life experience; he has traveled extensively around the world on land and sea both for pleasure and as a missionary; his more recent mission work experiences in China and Kenya particularly.  James still has a love for his native country, especially the winter season, where his pieces of solitary trees are derived.  Many of his more recent pieces are focused on birch forests capturing the essence of their characteristic bark.

James’ works have been featured in multiple shows and galleries around the southeast including Kai Lin Art, Anne Irwin Fine Arts, and the Matre Gallery.  Currently James’ work can be found at the Bennett Gallery in Nashville and at the dk gallery in his home town of Atlanta.