James Bristol
James has been drawing and painting faces or parts of faces, like eyes, since he was a kid. He had his first show of pen and ink drawings at age 14, and went on to study, among other things, figure painting and drawing at Midway Studios while a student at The University of Chicago. After learning printmaking from Chicago artist, Ralph Arnold, and bookbinding by tearing apart free books from 57 Street Books, James started Moon Dog Press—which published the work of Chicago area artists and writers. In New Mexico the past 25 years, he has continued to draw, work in black and white photography, bookmaking, and in metal. His matchbooks were published in the book, Muting Your Way to Eternal Things (Ruth Ruth Press, 2021). James is also a pilot, Zen priest, and lawyer living in Santa Fe with his partner.
ARTIST STATEMENT
We all have a part of us that wants to stare into the eyes of another and look to see seeing itself. Whether I photographed the person or found a striking image, the face on the matchbook and the text are about showing us something in ourselves and who we are right now—and if we are lucky, we will see seeing itself, experiencing ourselves outside of self, and find we are connected to a vast amazing universe where everything always is in its place. The matchbook as a canvas is about the ripeness of this moment, right here, right now— ephemeral and eternal, for nothing can fall out of the universe. What might your response be in this moment?
Inquire about available artwork here or call 505-372-7681
I’m in the Territory of Unanswerable Questions (W.), 2024, Atlas matchbook, ball point pen (Copic .03 pigment ink) 3.75 x 2 in., frame 12 x 9 in.
I Dream. Sometimes I Think that’s the Only Right Thing to Do, 2024, Atlas matchbook, ball point pen (Copic .03 pigment ink) 3.75 x 2 in., frame 12 x 9 in.
The Silence Went Long Enough for Me to Understand My Words, 2024, Atlas matchbook, ball point pen (Copic .03 pigment ink) 3 x 3 7/8 in., frame 12 x 9 in.
But Do Not Ask Me Where I am Going as I Travel This Limitless World Where Every Step I Take is My Home (J.H.), 2024, Atlas matchbook, ball point pen (Copic .03 pigment ink) 3.75 x 2 in., frame 12 x 9 in.