ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Photo by Joel Salcido - www.joelsalcido.com                                         

I’ve spent several years building a spiritual home within me that would nurture
a belief in myself as an artist, a space that would allow for the materialization
of my hopes, dreams, and aspirations. These hopes and dreams have been so
delicate yet resilient. Looking back on my life I am utterly amazed that they
not only survived the most trying of times but grew and are now materializing
before my eyes.

The fulfillment of these hopes and dreams has little to do with whether I have the
power to carry them out and more to do with my willingness to receive them, to
let them fill that space that has always been there for them alone. That means
being willing to experience the joy and the pain of living the dream.

My painting is part of the realization of these dreams. Creating a painting is about
communicating what is in my heart more than anything else. Every painting involves
vulnerability and risk, and my willingness to release what is within me. When I am
open to creating without condition or expectation, I render the most satisfying and
fulfilling paintings.

I am careful with my subject matter. Realizing that what I paint is what is true or
becomes true for me, I choose to paint what supports the realization of my hopes
and dreams. Each painting is an affirmation to my spirit, an icon to remind me of
what it is I strive for, of what I want to release, and the freedom which is available
to me every moment of every day if I’m willing to accept it. My challenge has
always been to accept this grace, and I find myself more able to do so many
times throughout each day of my life. It is always available and it is always
my choice.

Roi James