Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
James was born in 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta, where he now lives in a supportive group home with his two roommates. James has been making art since he was a child and now spends all his free time drawing at his art desk at home.

Always a little suspicious of new people and places, it took James some time to get used to the busy Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts. Now that he's become comfortable, he spends at least three days a week doing art there as well.

James has done quite well in his artistic endeavours; he has shown his work in various venues and has sold his pieces both locally and internationally. When James isn't working on his art he can be found volunteering at his local church.

Artist's Statement:
James likes to work in several media, including oil, pastels, pencil crayons, crayons and gels.

James’ abstract drawings started from the suggestion that he write out his feelings; from there a whole new way to express himself was born. His subject matter comes from his thoughts and imagination. He also gets inspiration from the work his father, an engineer, has done over the years.

Becoming an artist has helped James improve his social and communication skills and everyone around him can plainly see he’s at his happiest when he’s making art.