The Owatonna Arts Center is poised to unveil a thought-provoking new exhibition this August, “Fragments of Reality,” showcasing the innovative abstract art of Tim James. This highly anticipated display promises to challenge perceptions and invite viewers into a realm where imagination reinterprets the familiar, echoing Pablo Picasso’s profound sentiment that art can transform a yellow spot into the sun itself.
Tim James, a seasoned artist, is renowned for his dynamic approach to creation, often transcending singular artistic mediums. His joy stems from the deliberate combination of various materials, resulting in compelling pieces that defy conventional categorization. This distinctive methodology is central to his unique style, which fluidly integrates different elements to form cohesive and impactful contemporary art.
A core tenet of James’s artistic philosophy revolves around the viewer’s active participation in meaning-making. He finds immense satisfaction when individuals engage with his work, extracting personal interpretations and weaving their own perspectives into the fabric of his abstract compositions. This interactive dynamic underscores the experiential nature of his art, inviting a deeper, more personal connection.
The genesis of James’s current artistic inspiration can be significantly traced back to a formative two-year period spent teaching in Athens, Greece, alongside his wife. This transformative journey exposed him to a vast array of diverse artworks, subtly yet profoundly shaping his artistic trajectory. While no single artist dominated his influence, the collective exposure to various forms of abstract art during his time abroad gradually propelled him towards his signature style.
James’s artistic evolution is marked by a gradual yet decisive pivot towards abstraction. Initially honing his skills in photorealistic art during high school, a craft he still respects, his interest slowly waned as he sought more interpretive freedom. This progression saw him first introduce abstract backgrounds into his portrait and figure art, eventually leading him to completely remove the figures, recognizing that the essence he wished to convey no longer necessitated representational forms.
The lifelong passion that defines Tim James’s artistic career ignited early, stemming from a seemingly simple classroom encounter in third grade. This initial spark, where he instinctively offered to assist his teacher with a drawing, blossomed into a rewarding journey. Following a distinguished 32-year career in art education, predominantly teaching high school art, James now dedicates his retirement to the full-time pursuit of creating art and delving deeper into the intricate world of abstract painting and sculpture.
In his studio, James employs a meticulous layering process, building up his abstract paintings section by section. He strategically pauses work on certain areas once satisfied, while continuing to refine others, a technique that imparts a rich, tactile texture to his canvases. While his material choice is fluid and dictated by the artistic vision for each piece, he frequently gravitates towards acrylic paint for its versatility and uses watercolor for transparent effects. For his captivating sculptures, wood is a preferred medium, often combined with metal to explore the compelling interplay between man-made and natural elements, creating impactful mixed media sculptures.
The creation of James’s art demands varying commitments of time, directly proportional to the complexity and scale of each piece. Larger sculptures, often collaborative efforts with a friend, can span up to a year, reflecting the dedication involved in their weekly work sessions. Unlike the predictable path of realistic art, abstraction offers an exhilarating journey of discovery for James, where the final outcome is not predefined but rather unfolds through continuous experimentation and intuitive exploration. This embrace of the unknown is precisely where he finds the profound joy in his abstract artistic expression.
