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Artsy Fartsy Tuesday 1/10/12-James Ayers

Tales from the Backroad Posted on by
I am so excited about today’s Artist, James Ayers. James is a wonderful painter of Native American life. He has spent quite a bit of time living with, and learning from, the Native people and that shows in his work. James is very conscious of  the need for realistic and accurate clothing, hair adornment and even the way a tipi would be decorated. His colors are soft, yet striking. The composition in every painting is carefully laid out, so the viewer gets the best experience from the painting. 

James Ayers-Two souls one spirit

This is the newest painting from James, and I love it. I’d buy this one today if I could. James will have this piece at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale. The show runs from Jan. 14th – March 25th. We are planning a trip to Scottsdale to see this show, and I am excited to see this painting while we are there.

Warriors of the high country-Ute

Quite contemplation-Lakota

James has been painting since 1991. Here is more information about him and his work.

Learning Enhanced through Experience

My paintings are more than just a slice of Native American history.
They are the result of years of research combined with personal exploration and observation. I study historic artifacts, research customs and rituals, and marry these with my understanding of the struggles of modern Native American cultures.

I have to ask: In the chronicles of human history, countless cultures have emerged, matured, waned, and then finally disappeared. What perspectives of this world have died with them?

In the face of inevitable change, my mission is to honor the customs and beauty of traditional cultures through my paintings.

 

Cheyenne adornment

Twenty Years of Research

Shortly after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991, I began a pattern of traveling, living, and working with indigenous peoples worldwide that continues to the present day.In the course of my exploration and research, I have had the honor of experiencing dozens of tribal customs and cultures, including
  • The semi-nomadic Samburu and Turkana people in Africa’s Great Rift Valley
  • Native American reservations from Maine to Arizona, where I lived with the Iroquois in the Northeast, the Sioux in the Great Plains, and the Hopi in the Southwest.
  • The Arapaho Sundance Ceremony during a visit to the Wind River Reservation in Ethete, Wyoming.
  • Traditional Navajo weavers and sheepherders at the historic Toadlena Trading Post region of the Navajo reservation in New Mexico

Watchful on the high plains-Crow

Authentic Details

Most of my paintings are fictionalized accounts of Native American lifeways rather than literal representations of specific events. Yet, I make sure that every facet of my work is historically correct — from the style of a man’s plaited hair to the weapons used and even the motifs which decorate tipis, clothing, and shields.Out of respect and honor for the people and cultures I paint, I strive to achieve the utmost honesty and authenticity I can attain. I have a belief that this authenticity provides a more poignant impression for the viewer.

Prayer to the Great Spirit-Lakota

James has had so many requests for his work to be available in giclees, that he has begun releasing some of his paintings in this format. They can be seen here, http://jamesayers.com/2011/07/07/fine-art-giclee-prints-now-available/
I have only scratched the surface of this wonderful artist, visit his website http://jamesayers.com/ to see all his paintings and read more about his work. 

Comments

Artsy Fartsy Tuesday 1/10/12-James Ayers — 5 Comments

  1. What are the prices on these paintings. There are 2 of them i would like to have.

  4. Ugh! I’m jealous. Some people just have the gift of creating such wonderful paintings.

    Does Roxy’s Mom paint as well?

    Huggies and Cheese,

    Haopee

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