Artist Proof Interview with Artist: James Adams
Global Location: Fort Collins, CO
AP Shop URL: http://www.zazzle.com/artofjamesadams*
James Adams (b.1969)
US artist James C. Adams was born and raised in Temple, Texas, and currently resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Specializing in Goth inspired illustrations, his artwork mainly focuses on the female form, portrayed in a variety of goth fantasy roles. From dedications to the goddess in all things to exploration in the sensual, sexy nature of the female spirit.
His drawings come to life with bite and snarl - an artist that creates it like he sees it, female empowerment outside the confinement of labels.
AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start.
JA: I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. It was my interest in my mom’s lingerie catalogs that stirred my interest. I saw a drawing of a female in a bra and I was consumed to draw it, over and over again until I got it right. To this day, I don’t know who the artist was, but it was a fabulous drawing as an ad in the back of the woman’s mag.
AP: Where do you currently live and work ω And how does this influence your work.
JA: I live in Fort Collins, CO. The art community here is very good. However, my genre doesn’t fit well in the contemporary sense. There’s a huge tattoo interest here. So, a lot of people who like that style, also like my work as well.
AP: Did you have formal training if so whatω If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training.
JA: I went to the Art Institute of Colorado. I graduated with honors in 1996 in Visual Communications. I studied graphic design and went to work at a TV station in Denver as an Online Graphic Artist. Things didn’t go as smoothly as I had thought they would. I later did graphic design work for a Parks and Recreation in Littleton, CO. That didn’t pan well, either. So, I decided the only kind of art I wanted to do was illustration. It took 10 years of side jobs, caricatures, etc. to figure out what I really wanted to do art-wise. I love goth fantasy pinup illustration. So, you can say that I was really self taught, in the sense that all my formal training was computer-based graphics, logo design, brochure work, etc. No one showed me how to draw. It’s just something I’ve picked up along the way. And, that’s why my style is so unique compared to mainstream pinup artists of the day.
AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio etc.. and how it effects your work.
JA: I draw wherever I can. When I’m at work, I draw on my breaks. When I am at home, I usually make camp at the dining room table and do most of my painting there. I would love to have a studio or designated work space. I think it would greatly improve my skills. But for now, I have to work with what I’ve got.
AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date.
JA: I’ve never had the opportunity to participate in design projects/exhibitions.
AP: What is your medium of choice.
JA: Pencil, pen, water-down Speedball Acrylic Ink on Bristol.
AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work.
JA: I don’t focus on technique. It’s all about an idea that I will get in my head and I try my best to translate it onto the page.
AP: Who are some of the artists that have inspired you and or your work.
JA: Frank Frazetta, Luis Royo, Hajime Sorayama,OliviaDe Berardinis, VictoriaFrances , Paul Calle and Walter Girotto
AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years.
JA: I would love to see my work oversees, in Europe. I what to explore more into the realm of dark, seductive goth. I would love to see my work gain a wider online audience. And, eventually it would be nice to see my work hanging in a downtown gallery. That would be exciting. I would love to collaborate with other artists in my genre and learn from them. Gaining feedback is a very valuable tool to use in the evolution of ones work.
AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011.
JA: I’m focused on artwork for www.pspasylum.com. I would love to do another art-book or a calender. But, I really haven’t planned anything too extravagant for the rest of this year. I’m really hopeful I might do a years-end art-book to showcase the best of 2011.
AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.
JA: Get up. Fix and eat breakfast. See my wife off to work. Go workout for 35 minutes. 2 hours of online promotional work of zazzle products, artwork and PSPtubes on Facebook, WordPress, Twitter, AIM and update www.artofjamesadams.com. Go to work. Draw on my breaks. Come home. Workout for 30 minutes. Draw/paint for 1-2 hours. Shower. Go to bed. Repeat.
AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
