I was born in Texas, but have lived my whole life in Southern California. The last 15 have been in Newport Beach. I was always a very creative boy but never encouraged to purse the arts. I did go to college to pursue a business degree, and that was the career path I was and yet still in a way pursing, but until the past few years had suppressed my desire to create. That very thing that I enjoyed my whole life, with potential not realized I waited quite a while to get started.
When I did finally pick up a paintbrush (to paint on a professional level), I was in it full throttle. And facing a series of life changing events. More importantly, the uphill battle (more like quicksand) to make a sustainable income, while progressing in my craft. All the while, doing so without selling out. Not having graduated from art school and no formal training, other than learning by observing, I fell back onto my networking skills in order to see if these “skills” were worthy of pursuing.
Since those early days, I have not looked back, nor compromised quality in both design and materials. That is despite my toughness toward myself, and the then unwanted but now appreciate the “constructive criticism” , “tough love”, or adverse feedback from others. I never heard them-but subconsciously I did and absorbed like a sponge. Right or wrong.
Due to his high level of confidence and resiliency, He has had (2) one-man shows. The first was held at Commonwealth Lounge in Newport Beach a waterfront restaurant/Nightclub in a prime high traffic Newport location. He had the entire entry level room to do with as he felt would work the best.

The artwork was on exhibit here for about 10 days due to its appeal (left, showing 2 one in foreground in the foyet, reception area. The other on a 15’ truss rigged with cables and its own lighting, with the Newport Beach Marina as its backdrop) James displayed 16 pieces over all, of which 4 sold.
The second was also in Newport Beach only 7 months later, at the Newport Surf Gallery on 31st street. This small but quaint location was adjacent to everything from Bearflag Fish Co. and Pavillons to the other many restaurants and shops-but more importantly the thousands of affluent homes in the 1 mile radius(median individual income ages 35-55 exceeding $85k and household far exceeding $100K, also street is filled with design studios, galleries, and antique shops. James put 20 pieces in the exhibition. This lasted a month. (Below, see promotional material ideas for the show) In the in between time he moved to Beverly Hills to work for a Las Vegas based designer/entrepreneur by the name of Nico Santuuci (NicoSantucci.net)

These pieces where all commissioned by Mr. Santucci while James was in his employ. All but one. And including the taxidermy concept piece. James also contributed to the interior design, landscape design, and ultimately the overall aesthetic and perception of Nico’s,”Lookout Mansion” property (www.lookoutmansion.com)

He also was shown for a year at a retail level; this was at “DWELL floor five” in Studio City, CA

All the while learning more about painting, photography, lighting, and design. Thus, becoming a better artist as a result.
Once James and Nico parted ways, James returned to Newport Beach…To pick up where he left off- but with more knowledge.
He immediately was commissioned to do a large polytypic for a plastic surgeon in Huntington Beach, CA which has been his highest selling piece to date ($9k)

Also shortly after, he was approached by the Brand Manager at Red Bull, Los Angeles to do a Red Bull mini fridge design 1that might still go into production. Also a curved wood tile engraved tradeshow surfboard for RVCA Clothing

What these experiences have taught James is that he would have to put himself out there in as many as he could, as long as it demonstrated a respectable progression. With that of coarse can make you subject to criticism, which can if compounded feel like ridicule. But one must persevere to receive the praise, respect, accolades and money to sustain yourself having art as your career.
Now all James does every day is create, think of new and interesting subject content and marketing ideas to further his name….his companies name within the art world. Within that process, always keeping in his mind’s eye…what people want AND what they will pay for.

He has solicited Matt Hotch of Matt Hotch Designs in Fullerton, CA to reproduce an image of the “V-Lux” award winning Motorcycle. Which won the 2006 Discovery Channel Biker Build Off. It sold for $250K

Tags

See All Tags (0)