About

My Practice

I spend a majority of my practice exploring topics of philosophy, social reform, history, and the natural world. My finished works and process both draw heavily from my turbulent background and bits of relief and hope found on my quest for Truth. Whatever that means. 

My goal is to generate honest conversation around established social systems, and spark meaningful reflection in the observer. This motivation keeps me continuing to learn new ways of making, and use them as tools for change. I am always looking for ways to teach without teaching, and to encourage knowing through not-knowing.

Art is a way for us to look through language and belief structures, and view concepts from our very core. I think that it is time to reflect on our country's last century of development, and come to terms with where we are and how we got here. 

Together, we will find solutions.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

Portland State University (2022 - Present)

Expected Graduation Summer 2026

• BFA Art Practice, printmaking focus

• Film Studies minor

Awards and Scholarships

Dorothy Piacentini Endowed Art Scholarship (2025)

Exhibitions

Fans Only Studio - First Thursdays Group Exhibition (April 2025)

Other Experience

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU 

- Gallery Attendant, (Jan 2023 - Present)

The Story

James was born in 1998 to a working class family in Warren, Oregon. Their experience and environment growing up could be summarized as "the country version of Malcolm in the Middle."

After high school, they entered a tumultuous period - leaving the world of computer science before couch surfing and years of working grueling hours at a bakery.

Determined to follow their own intuition for a change, James relocated to the city and returned to education at Portland State University. They are pursuing a BFA in Art Practice, as well as a minor in Film Studies. Special attention has been given to East and Southeast Asian philosophy and art history.

James can usually be found in class, working at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, or home with their fiancee and cat. Upon graduation, they look toward a future in printmaking and/or gallery and museum work while they continue to develop larger-concept installations at their own pace.