My name is James Kelly.
Primarily from Vancouver and Vancouver Island and currently am living in Bowser, BC. In the arts field, I worked for several years as a graphic artist.
My interest in art is in exploring thought and inspiration in painting. My primary influence has been my reliance on God and the teachings of Baha’u’llah as expressed in the Baha’i Faith of inclusion, unity and oneness.
My medium of choice has been acrylic; it dries fast, and allows for spontaneous interaction with the surface as the painting work progresses. Primed canvas or hardboard is used for the foundation.
For me painting is an adventure, a confrontation of sorts. Concepts are discovered rather than predicted. The painting works on me even as I’m working on it. In the end, if we come to an agreement, some parts will be of paint and some part will be of me and my inspiration. In this process it is hoped that something worthwhile will be learned and be expressed. The painting is the record.
I feel at the root of all painting is a search for meaning. As all art being conversation, I feel it follows that the language is important, that language, being the language that is faithful to the work being presented. In this sense I see painting/art as a service.
An Area of fascination and interest for me is in Form. Form; is plastic in nature, endless in variations and opportunity. Without representing an object or person, form is free to express meaning; evoke feeling and engender metaphor which in turn has the capacity to express both inexpressible emotions and matters of the known world, and, to open an access to the world of the spirit. This interests me deeply. There is no end, for from each new form, shape or motif springs yet another, as if by hidden intention they teach and inform, drawing us forward; evolution in process? One thought generates and becomes many and the viewer becomes a participant. The forms are seen to have a life and energy of their own. In some cases, to me, they seem to emit a sound or hum of energy. Visual arts and music make it clear that not all language is composed of words.
Related is reducing content in the art. In this interest I’ve felt the need at times for to minimize to reduce distraction and give more attention to form and its negative space counterpart. “Less being more.” To create focus or stress.
A Second area of interest and grounds for thought and wonder is ‘diversity’ in the work in art I see no conflict in diversity but rather see it as a compliment. Often diversity presents very differently and with no connection on the surface, it doesn't undermine unity, only broadens it. It rather generates multiplicity and in so doing offers strength and refreshes. I feel in visual arts; being another form of communication, diversity reflects and introduces community and expresses a broader base of unity and as such oneness; primary values.
In those arts removed from names and places, can be found global affirmation and oneness in a global communicative language; the same language is being spoken around the world by contemporary artists. This recognition of a global language and is very engaging and exciting.
Diversity enters my own work as well. Not all my art is the same. Some pieces are whimsical. They may be story related or just taking some colour or forms out to play. Still I ask that the work remain faithful to its intention. In some work, fanciful images may appear as being expressed as real where an image is presented to play a part or activity rather than representing an event, object or scene in the traditional sense.
As mentioned what informs my art is my Faith, personal relationships, response to other art works, the human condition, and, the search for ways to express diversity, and demonstrate that it doesn't undermine unity of art, only broadens and strengthen it.
Thank you. Hope that you enjoy the work as presented. If there are questions, or thoughts to share or enquires please contact me.