About
James’ artwork has been displayed in numerous museums across the West Coast, including a Ten-Year Retrospective at the Woodbury Art Museum. Recent highlights include features in Western Art and Architecture, as well as "Five to Watch” in Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. With representation from both traditional and contemporary galleries, her unique creations are enthusiastically embraced by collectors nationwide and internationally.
Artist Biography
Born in Utah, I have experienced countless adventures. I love camping and hiking with my dog, enjoying the earthy scents, the crunch of snow, and the aroma of decaying leaves, accompanied by the sounds of returning birds in spring. Utah's four seasons inspire me as tree colors shift from brown to vibrant yellow and lush green. The outdoors invigorates my artistic vision and energizes my creative work, fostering exploration and innovation.
Artist Statement
James, trained at the Bay Area Classical Artists Atelier and Studio Escalier in Paris, deconstructs formal art techniques. Inspired by 15th-century Reverse Glass Painting, she transforms the old into the new in her recent series of layered nature and abstract works, featuring up to ten layers on 1/8” acrylic panes. Her artistic expression thrives on the interaction between the environment and light, enhancing these kinetic pieces to harmonize with their surroundings. This playful approach engages viewers and fuses traditional and contemporary art. Her natural inspirations and innovations motivate her to use a variety of materials, including canvas, acrylic glass, and hardware, for inventive designs. Her 3D acrylic sculptures, modern mobiles, and abstract paintings reflect her creativity. She is currently conceptualizing a portrait series within this multi-layered process.
Oakley, UT with my girl Roxy (2005-2019)
Reviews
“Janell James’ pieces must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. They are mesmerizing, vibrant and sophisticated.”
“I have always admired and collected Janell’s unique multi-pane art. When I learned that she was going to apply portraiture to the unique style she has developed, I instantly knew that she was the artist commission I had been searching for to capture my two daughters. I wanted something that exemplified their youth and life, while at the same time — wanting a piece of art that stood on its own, the kind of portrait that could be collected, even if you weren’t personally attached to the subjects. The work that Janell produced exceeded my expectations in every way, and is a testament to her artistic talent. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”
“Janell’s creative drive and passion to paint and to create the highest quality artwork are admirable. She studies continually and paints masterfully in a style she has uniquely developed as her own. Her paintings are recognizable at a distance because of their unique quality and subject. Her trees make you feel like a child again, lying on the ground and gazing up toward the sky, looking at the leaves and delicate branches. These paintings often contain surprising vibrant colors that give them vitality and interest.”
