James Walker
I never made a conscious decision to become an artist, it is something I have done for as long as I can remember. It is my way of being enveloped as completely as possible in the present moment and a method for me to collect reference points along the way.
With a background in photo-journalism, I take a documentary approach to almost all of my art work. In the late 80’s I discovered “punk rock” music and skateboarding and since then the original DIY aesthetic of these two art forms has continued to influence my creative process. I do not create “projects”, instead, my art is a direct reflection of what is currently happening in my life, one long autobiographical adventure.
After earning an MFA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design, I continued pursuing my love of art in multiple artistic disciplines. My belief is that photography depicts a so-called reality, and painting, drawing, etc. projects the dream behind that reality.
Currently, I enjoy blurring the lines between different media types. My most recent works consist of oil paintings, water colors, printmaking, photography, bookmaking and mixed-media.
Along with creating art, my other lifelong passion has been teaching. For the past fifteen years I have taught art and photography to students in a variety of different venues from high school, to universities, to smaller individualized workshops. There is no greater joy than seeing the smile on a students’ face when they have learned a new skill or created their own masterpiece!
Currently, I am beyond grateful to be working with The Pablove Foundation to help serve so many talented young individuals!