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About the Artist
| I tend toward simple, pure forms in my work, but at the same time, I blend in something that tells a story. I lean toward figures who run counter to the cultural ideal, ordinary people caught in the act of being. I also sculpt whimsical, playful creatures, suggestive of pueblo culture. From age 6 through 18, there were strong influences from other cultures as my family lived in San Francisco, California. After returning to my village in 1966, things were much the same as my early memories. These vivid images translate into unique stone sculpture, some of which have been cast in bronze. Alabaster, steatite, limestone, and marble take form as miniature through monumental pieces. I like the point where I take the piece of sculpture into the sunlight to observe how shadows create the form. It’s done when it says what I wanted it to say. |
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Biography
Born at Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, on July 30, 1948, James has lived in this ancestral community for most of his life. In the village of Jemez, he grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family, including blood and clan relations. It is from his experiences in a vibrant culture, daily life, and Towa language that James draws his artistic influence.
James’ introduction to stone sculpture began through an apprenticeship with friend and well-known sculptor Cliff Fragua starting in 1987. During this study, he recognized his gift for stone carving and creating sculptures in a unique style. Since then, James has enthusiastically depicted glimpses of his life through carvings in alabaster, steatite, marble and other stones.
Various bronze sculptures have been cast from his original stone carvings. These incorporate color with different patinas, making every bronze distinct in the edition.
James takes much pleasure from carving, and the scope of his work continues to broaden. His work continues to be recognized as evidenced through the numerous awards for his accomplishments.
Process Of My Work
A stone carving begins with the choosing of the material, which can be alabaster, marble, limestone or any one of several types of stone. It is then examined for imperfections, which can appear as fractures, inclusions, or discoloration. By using mallets and chisels, the block of stone is then “cleaned up” to remove dirt and unwanted deposits. This process can also begin the initial shaping of the desired form.
The carving tools used are chisels of assorted teeth arrangements and chisels with shaped points. These tools can be driven into the stone surface with a mallet to remove material from the surface of the stone. The type of chisel used will determine the depth and amount of material removed.
As the process continues, the form of the sculpture will begin to appear. At this point in the carving, the use of smaller toothed chisels is necessary to begin the shaping of smaller details. Stone carving files can now be used in the shaping process.
When the final form is achieved, different textures can be used to enhance the finished work. Texture can be sanded, filed, or chiseled onto the surfaces. In some finished work, it is desirable to polish the surface of the stone through use of various oils and waxes.
Resume
Awards & Recognitions
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Santa Fe Indian Market:
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SWAIA Fellowship Award - 1991
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Best of Class Alan Houser Monumental Sculpture - 1994
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Best of Division (Bronze) - 2004
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First Place - 1991, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2004-for two divisions
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Second Place - 1990, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2005-for two divisions
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Third Place - 1995, 2002
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Honorable Mention - 1992, 1993, 1998
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somArts Cultural Center, San Francisco: Jemez Folk Gallery Art Show - 2004
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Eiteljorg Museum:
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First Place - 1996
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Second Place - 1998
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Jemez Pueblo Arts and Crafts Show: First Place - 2001, 2004
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Sandoval County Cinco de Mayo Arts Festival: Best of Show - 1990
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American Indian Art Festival, Dallas: Second and Third Place - 2001
Education
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Apprenticed with noted sculptor Clifford Fragua - 1987 through 1989.
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Undergraduate study, Univ. of Albuquerque, Univ. of NM - 1973-75.
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Cartographic Drafting certificate, U.S. Army in 1968.
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Graduated from Mission High School, San Francisco, CA - 1966.
Interests & Activities
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Studying music theory, saxophone, and flute
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4-H Shooting Sports Leader, and 4-H Horse volunteer
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Church elder in Christian home fellowship
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Horsemanship (riding, care, and training)
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Gardening
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Fly fishing