The starting point of much of James's work as an artist is in the act of exploring materials and environments through making. Such investigations may then also lead to photo and video based works.

Through visiting a particular place, often locally to his Wiltshire home, and exploring the relationship of the art object to these surroundings, he can continue to investigate its environmental and bodily context. New layers of meaning can be uncovered by the meeting of work and place, furthering the dialogue between person and landscape, and informing future art work.

     
            Space Inside                        Albert's Box                        Shroud for the Oak
       Digital Images from Forest series   2007

During collaborations with another artist or group, James looks at how different media  can be combined to share ideas and working methods, using movement, constructed artworks, sound and projection of a photo or video to explore connections between disciplines, individuals and the environment.

In a community or educational context, the processes involved in creative investigations and the learning that takes place, can be documented using a photo, or by video; often edited for exhibition purposes, with further learning amongst the participants and the audience initiated/supported by viewing and reflection.

               Video Still from Mask Dance  2002          Video Still from Singing Ribbons  2002                           
Designed and directed in collaboration with 'The Messy Rainbow Glitter Show'
for Reach Inclusive Arts.    (camera-work by Iona Fabian)

Watching the Cradle
 Digital Image from transparency 1996/2008