Today we’d like to introduce you to James Harris
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I can remember, I loved drawing and art in general. After High School, I enrolled at The New England School of Art & Design on Newbury Street in Boston. After two years, I Transferred to The Museum School of Fine Art on the Fenway. The atmosphere there was really great – the teachers were really inspiring and my fellow students were also really great. I was there for four years and really loved every day I was there.
After receiving my Studio Diploma form Museum School, I decided to move to New York City. The year was 1989 and NYC was the center of the art world at that time. I spent most of my free time going to galleries and museums in Manhattan – which was a fantastic education.
2010 was the year I decided to move to Gunma, Japan with my wife. I spent the first two years in Japan just painting. I found most of my inspiration from Japanese architecture, such as temples, shrines and ad hoc structures on rural farms. The nature in Gunma was also a huge influence on me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everyday is a struggle I think for everyone. For me the struggle is trying to come up with new ideas for my work. I’m always trying to push my self to create new images – which can be difficult. Even if I fail on a certain project, that will make my next project stronger or more interesting.
If there is no struggle, than life can get pretty boring.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work lately deals with architecture, technology and futurism. Of all the art genres I’ve been exposed to, I find Italian Futurism the most interesting. Their passion for architecture, technology, aviation and music is truly inspiring. The Art of Noises ( L’arte dei Rumori ) Luigi Russolo`s manifesto on music is still relevant today.
Space flight, science fiction and speculative technology all play a part in my work.
Much of my work is considered abstract, but I believe the images are based on the physical world of buildings and technology.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My teachers at Museum School where and still are a big influence on me, I still find inspiration in their advice, encouragement and their own work everyday.
Art collectors of course are very important – without them, I could not survive. Their feedback is invaluable. Academic Institutions in the U.S. and U.K. are also a big support.
My wife has been my most significant supporter. When we first moved to Japan, she supported me financially and mentally – so that I could work on my art seven days a week. I made giant steps in my work thanks to her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saatchiart.com/jimharris
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimharrisart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesWallaceHarrisArt/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Jim_Harris_Art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimHarrisArt
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jim-harris
- Other: https://www.galerie-sehr.de/kuenstler/james-wallace-harris/
