James Wiens has been painting for over three decades, and he shows no signs of slowing down. In this conversation, the British Columbia artist opens up about colour, beauty, and the quiet joy of doing work he truly loves.
Your interest in art showed up very early. When did you know it was your calling?
When I was 8, I looked at some wallpaper in my parents house and said to myself, 'I can do that'.
How did Emily Carr College of Art & Design and your diploma in Printmaking transform the way you see and paint?
My ECCAD printmaking major was formative in my training as a colourist. It forced me to think ahead strategically on how to mix colour optically and to be ruthless with the results.
You started with landscapes before evolving toward other subjects. What pushed you to leave that comfortable territory?
To be honest, it was my desire to make a living. I can find joy in painting just about anything and am not too proud to do what people want.
You speak of "painting for beauty" as a necessity. In a polarized world, how can beauty truly bring people together?
When you paint for beauty you can bridge SO many gaps because you may not agree on everything about beauty but there are certainly more chances statistically that you can find common ground on what is 'beautiful'. If you're clever you can manipulate your message in your art but never overplay your hand, you can challenge quietly.
What is your creative process, from choosing a subject all the way to completing a painting?
I search for or create my own subject material, sketch it out, decide on coloration and then transfer to panel or canvas and execute. I never fail and never change any of my art . sorry that 'never' was to be read 'almost always'!
After more than thirty years of career, what still fuels your desire to create?
I love to paint, I really love it when it looks like something someone else created… I have bad habits so new looks and techniques always keep me challenged. Also, I don't like being bored and love working, I come from that generation that says idleness is the devils workshop.
Are there artists, past or contemporary, that you admire, and why?
Well I have a weakness for illustration so Robert Cunningham, Bob Peak, Jeremy Lipking, Malcom Liptke ( I own one of his originals ) Christopher Blossom (also have one of his pieces) and to be very predictable, the very few piece Da Vinci did are absolutely beautiful! I puzzle over Van Gogh on how he actually executed his amazing art, Singer Sargent, Tom Thompson, Lawren Harris , A Y Jackson, Carl Rungius =, etc...
Do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions you would like to share with us?
I'm working on a 'classic Vancouver series" that is showing at the Kurbatoff gallery presently and I will add new pieces regularly.
To learn and see more of James Wiens's work: Instagram.
Do you need affordable floating frames for your artworks? The Kolekin frames are the solution!
- Easy assembly at home
- Affordable (but with that gallery look!)
- Free shipping over $50
