I first began my career in the arts creating illuminated calligraphy pieces of inspirational quotes and poetry.
Since I was young, I’ve always been inspired by old religious art and icons.
Over a period of about 5 years, I traveled around the Seattle area doing various art shows and outdoor fairs while at the same time, raising a family. Unfortunately, soon after the computer age began, I noticed a sharp decline in those that appreciated this particular art form, so I moved my studies to life drawing, concentrating on the beauty of the human form.
I find sketching nudes relaxing as it also keeps my perspective skills sharpened. After winning 3rd place in “Snapshot of Survival” one of my nudes in acrylic now hangs in hospitals around the country through 2011.
From 1998 through 2000 I tried my hand at owning my own gallery in downtown Snohomish, a small town located just 40 miles north of Seattle called, Joni James Gallery. The shop was also used as studio space and a venue for other artists to hang their work. I loved having the opportunity to meet several other local artists. The time was very inspiring yet much too brief, as we moved back to the Seattle area in 2005.
In my most recent works, I enjoy using bright colors and painting ordinary objects with a twist toward the whimsical and abstract. Starting first with basic shapes & balance, from there I build in layers using acrylics, inks and some collage while the canvas communicates to me what to add next. It’s unpredictable as to when the piece will tell me it’s finished, therefore each one is a bit of a surprise. I’m learning to trust this process along with allowing each canvas to teach me my next lesson about life and art.
Exhibits Past and Present- Art on the Ridge/Greenwood: October-December 2009
- Oasis Gallery/Wallingford, Seattle: April-July 2009
- Styling Studio/W. Seattle: August 09
- Styling Studio/W. Seattle: January 2009
- Bohemian Café/W. Seattle: Oct-Nov 2008
- Snapshot of Survival/Seattle & other: 2006-2011
- Best of the Northwest/Seattle: August 2002
- Mercer Island Arts Festival: July 2001
- Joni James Gallery/Snohomish: 1998-2000
- Pioneer Square Art Walk/Jackson Studios: July 1999
- Belltown Coffee: July 1996
- Calligraphy for weddings, invitations
- Legends of Camelot: store banners
- Martin Acoustic: custom paint works
- Various local business logos
- Westenders Scooter Club: "Tour di Mari I" logo art
- 1992-1997 - Drawing & Printmaking
- Highline Community College
- South Seattle Community College
- Sev Shoon Arts Center of Seattle
- Cornish College of the Arts
Words to live by: "Follow your bliss! The heroic path is living the individual adventure. Nothing is exciting if you know what the outcome will be. To refuse the call means stagnation."
Joseph Campbell
All images ©2002-2009 Joni James. No content may be used without written permission by the artist.
Artist contact: info@artbyjonijames.com | Webmistress: webmaster@artbyjonijames.com
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