Welsh born, London sown, California grown...
I've been making art in one form or another my whole life. A castle in
my hometown (no kidding) provided a medieval muse and perfect
subject to hone perspective drawing skills ~ Norman geometry is most
unforgiving but got me into art school sure enough. Newport, Wales,
first, then Bristol, England, to study graphic design, and with great
delight, also discover many of my favorite artists, mostly photographers,
in the college library on weekends.
I started my first photography business after graduation, kids, couples,
lots of Dobermann Pinscher portraits, some weddings and a horse
named Henry who lived with his owner in the kitchen. Henry was a ham,
the owner had a wonderful smile. They can't teach that kinda thing in school.
"Go West young man", was the next calling. A road trip photoshoot from New York to California was the extent of the "plan", the Pacific Ocean was where what to do "next" came up. Life was simpler then, a resourceful adventure-seeking lad could wing it anywhere, and Los Angeles was made for the job. Couple of fun'n'sun years later, career called back, "London, let's do London."
It was raining there, for four years, But I relished being back in the thick of the design world. It was beyond exciting to be working on accounts like British Airways, Jaguar, Brook Street Bureau and Fujitsu. A leading multi-media agency landed me as Creative DIrector for a while, but the "new plan" said it was time to cross the Pond again and start my own studio. Three decades, three kids and many brand identities later, I'm still mostly living in California. Traveling, making paintings, taking photographs, meeting amazing people and having conversations worth having, in person and through my YouTube Channel videos.
If you got this far in my story, "thank you" for visiting. Now, it's your turn! Please let me know a little something about your story ~ it will be a pleasure to meet you.
Best regards, James.