James Henderson
The concept of ‘home’ being an emotional space as opposed to a physical space is one that I use often in my work. I also like to explore the idea of ‘where we have been is who we are now’. The relationship experiences we have had with friends, family and lovers create the basis for the ongoing conversations we have with ourselves and the world around us everyday. It is an examination of our personal archeology.
My work usually does not start out with a definite direction but evolves as I apply layers to the surface. I think of my paintings as living things allowing them room to grow and going where they take me. There is a certain relationship that exists between artist and art within the confines of the studio. Neither art nor artist can thrive without that connection.
Many people ask “What does that symbol mean in this painting?” My response is often “What do you see?” The viewer should find reflection in my pieces, a space to create a sort of meditation. It is also important that art create dialogue. It is my belief that this dialogue is the single most important function of art.
My work has been shown in galleries in the San Francisco Bay Area and New Orleans. I also have pieces in private collections in San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, New Orleans and New York City.
-James Henderson