We were lucky to catch up with James Darnborough recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi James, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
In March 2020, the Covid-19 lockdown was a confusing and often terrifying experience for most of us. For me, it was a time of awakening. Creative awakening. After seeing an obscure YouTube video of a man attempting a geometric painting using an old paint can, I thought, I want to try that. I didn’t even have a decent set of paintbrushes or any acrylic paint. Still, fortunately, art stores were considered an ‘essential service,’ so three days later, I emerged from our garage with as much paint on me as on the enormous pieces of paper I had laid across the floor. As my confidence grew, I graduated to canvases. Two weeks later, I sold my first painting. This year, as a way to share my passion, I wrote a book about it called ‘Pendulum Painting – Creating stunning abstract art at home.’
James, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My background is in advertising and magazine publishing in the UK, South Africa, Australia, and the USA. I was always on the corporate side without a creative bone in my body. I spent years hiring talented photographers, artists, and writers to do the hard grind while I was the deal maker. I hold the record for the largest mobile outdoor advertisement in Africa having placed a huge sign for MTN mobile on the side of a hotel under construction in Johannesburg. It was my idea, but I didn’t design it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Creating something from nothing. The world has shifted in recent decades as we see more of us providing services rather than creating or inventing. If you look at the history of civilization, aside from wars and leaders, we cherish art and literature above all else. From Picasso, Michelangelo or Rembrandt to Shakespeare, Harper Lee or John Steinbeck, these are the people who we look to for inspiration in our own lives.
At your funeral, nobody will fondly remember your best business deal or a promotion at work. They may well say how much they enjoyed your paintings or that play you wrote. It doesn’t have to be wildly successful, just that you made something that will outlast your life.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As I mentioned, I am not creative by nature. During Covid I discovered a passion for painting and writing that I never knew existed and the reward is the journey. Knowing that my paintings are hanging on walls in people’s houses is hugely satisfying. Even if I worked night shifts in a factory, one day I would retire but as long as I am able, I will always paint and write as the journey is enjoyably endless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jamesdarnborough.com/artist
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.d.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063980475666
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-darnborough-51083a8/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JamesDarnboroug
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/qu3Md3yOf2s?si=7NZ9VtSzMgfLX56m
