Janell James
"Being classically trained in Paris and in a traditional Atelier like the old Masters of
the Renaissance, there is a very 'old world' skill set that I bring to my work.
Breaking a ten year process down, exposing it on a modern platform through six layers of
plexiglass bridges a connection between past and present.
Looking into this new work on plexiglass, you can see entwined in the layers
the contemporary marriage with the old. There is more sustenance in the story revealed,
and a connection to something bigger when observing the light bouncing between
the leaves of these living, breathing abstractions of trees.”
James recently exhibited in two Utah museum shows, one at the Springville Museum of Art, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.
She participates within her community donating art and a portion of sale proceeds to local causes she believes in.
Her new work on Plexiglass in inginuitive, and a unique combination of techniques not yet seen in today’s art world.
Artist Statement
Significantly influenced from traveling the world since an early age, I learned the
value of human relationships and connection. My art and love of trees has become
that connective fiber. With great gratitude my art has allowed me to branch out
further, serving a larger purpose through philanthropic gifting. With my motto being
“We are here to love each other, serve each other, and uplift each other” a percentage
of my sales go back out into the world to support cancer research, our environment,
the arts, youth education, disability, and equal rights. As is true for all healthy communities,
there is a process of creating, sustaining, and giving back. Trees do this
unconditionally, as well as patrons who love and support the arts.
Taking into account all that I have experienced and learned, I feel that nothing better
encompasses all of life more than a strong rooted, upward reaching, thriving tree.
Trees know they are connected to something bigger. Aspen trees reveal this to us
most profoundly as one of the largest living organisms on earth, connected by their
root system. Trees help other species of trees grow, thrive and survive. Trees provide
shelter, bear fruit, clean the air we breathe, offer shade, and a playground for our
youth. Trees know from a seed what they are to become, and everything they are to
be serves this purpose without hesitation. Trees remind us to grab hold of our roots;
that we are not separate, but One. Trees are great preachers, and I revere them.
