DUCK of the MONTH!
The best thing about judging the $2 Art Contest is getting to play “I wonder.” As in, I wonder what this artist is really like. I generally look at an artist’s work first. I don’t want anything else to interfere with my opinion of the work. And although we are taught as children that you can’t judge a book by its cover, we are also taught “If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and looks like a duck, it is probably a duck.” And, more often than not, I can figure out an artist’s philosophy from their work alone. Sometimes I am surprised. But what I always remember in the end…there are no two alike…all lovely little odd ducklings. This month was no different.
And the winner is…
The entries I receive each month for the $2 Art Contest are incredibly varied. I see work from every imaginable media, from artists at every level of their careers–some polished and PR savvy, some more vulnerable, but honest. This month, the winner is happy and optimistic, and since we are all headed into sometimes stressful and often melodramatic holidays… I thought we could all use some sunshine.
The Featured Artist chosen from October entries is James Melcher. Melcher’s work has a carefully chosen randomness to it that both makes me wonder and makes me smile. I would own his work. That is one of the many tests for any artist, wouldn’t you say?
FEATURED ARTIST:
James Melcher
James Melcher was born in Cleveland, Ohio where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from the Cleveland Institute of Art. After graduating, James spent a decade first in Southeast Asia, then Italy, and finally New York City before moving to Canada in 1996. Vancouver, British Columbia is now his home, and Melcher claims the spectacular mountainous landscape and glimmering glass towers as his daily inspiration.
While I am drawn to the Melcher’s line drawings. I simply could not avoid the elephant in the room–the mosaic paintings. I was not shocked to find out that the mosaic paintings began as an happy accident:
“This whole thing began when I unrolled old polka dot, acrylic on canvas paintings and started cutting them up. I was in a kind of creative block and really didn’t know what I was doing. I cut out circles and then cut them in half and like a kid started playing with fitting the pieces together. I ended up gluing these down to small canvases and called them cut-outs.” (pictured above left)
“The mosaic paintings began kind of by accident – A pile of strips, left over from all the trimming of the cut-out pieces, was collecting dust and I was going to throw it out. Instead I started playfully laying them together in rows – ‘April Mosaic’ (pictured right) is the culmination of that “Strips” series. This led to delving more into pattern and to more purposeful decisions about color combinations.”
“I continued to cut up old works on canvas to make new mosaic paintings until I ran out of old work! Now there is more of a conscious plan and design although I also let the work “speak” to me and go where it tells me to go! There is still the occasional coming together of pieces on the studio floor and that’s where new ideas are born.” –James Melcher
After studying the work & the process,
I went to the food for the real scoop…
Favorite Food?
Premium cut steak and potatoes
with an occasionally guilty binge of Doritos.
No deep, dark happiness issues there.
And what of his favorite artists?
The inspirational mentors?
Matisse, Mondrian, Warhol, Gehry.
Not a particularly optimistic lot,
but I can see the stylistic/artistic inspiration.
I was certain he was hiding something.
How does he classify his own work?
Modernism, Color Field, Pattern painting.
What makes this artist tick?
Where is the quirk?
Where is the secret?
And then I got to the final quiz question…What is your next big project? And then I found my answer within his: “I have Four! The Artist Project in Toronto – March 3-6, 2011 is a BIG Project that I am in the full swing of producing and getting prepared for…Getting my book “Memory Mosaic” published…Moving to Europe…And, I would love to complete a large-scale art installation somewhere!”
Eureka! The king of random pattern is fueled by frenzy. This artist does not suffer from the motivational anorexia of which I warn. His life will not pass him by. He is caught up in his own whirlwind of pattern and placement. Lookout world James Melcher’s headed your way.
Learn more about James Melcher online!
Want to be a Featured Artist on www.ArtAndArtDeadlines.com?
Check out the $2 Art Contest!
I am lucky enough to possess my very own James Melcher mosaic. It reminds me of kites and brings me joy every day.
Love both his work and his plans!
I am lucky enough to have a few James Melcher’s and to know him – I enjoy his art as I find it bright and uplifting and reflects James’ zest, humor and passion.
I’m honoured to call James a friend, and I adore the many pieces of his art that hang in my home. I’m so pleased to see that other people are showing their appreciation for his work!
Vibrant, full of color and energy. This reflects both the work and the artist.
I *love* James’ art and have loved watching it evolve over the past several years. Everyone who owns a piece of James Melcher art will be inspired to feel happiness, curiosity, joy, and expansiveness. It’s thrilling to see all the photos of his installations. Thanks for sharing a bit of James and his art here!
WOW Thank you everyone for your amazing comments! I’m very moved and inspired! My art work would not be where it is without the love and support of friends, family and colleagues!
I love the vibrancy and colour in James’ work. It reflects such passion and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing more in the future 😀
I love my Melcher. It hangs in my studio and brings me endless inspiration as well as joy. The colors are so alive!
Great work, James. I’m loving the vibrance and simplicity of your work!
my partner and i truly love living with our small collection of melchers. the vitality and flow of his work is always a source of joy. we actually have a small wall of melchers.
I can see the CIA influence ( Op Art -Stanczak, Mieczkowski combined with playful constructionism – Salomon).
But! Mr. Melcher, you have integrated an elevating element into your work …La Vie!!
I Loooooove the colours. Watching your work makes me smile!
It is and will be interesting to see how James’ work develops and what direction(s) it will go in as his inspirations and environments change and evolve.
Being Jame’s older brother I’ve been following his progress longer than almost anyone. I’m particularly impressed by his ink drawings. He is definitely the ‘lighter’ side of the family (as in attitude and outlook). I wish him well always.
who ever thought you could get so much feeling from those cut up painted squares of delight? i can’t wait to see what glorious thing you create next James!
xxx
Way to go, James!!! Your work is so colourful and it makes me so happy! You’re going to go far, my friend!
Love James’ work. First time I saw it in a shop, it immediately caught my eye. Much success!
To me, your work represents a love for “the process”. Steps beginning long before paint even touches canvas. I see community being represented in it’s strongest and most raw form of happiness. Your canvas mirrors, inspires and coaches those around you. I’m blessed to own two of your pieces. Thank you.
We are so excited for James to be a part of The Artist Project – and looking forward to seeing his work exhibited in Toronto! Bravo James!
I am also the proud owner of a small Melcher, and the little piece really gives me good energy!
Not only is James a vibrant artist, but he is also a vibrant person. His work and his personality radiate colour, warmth, positivity, and energy. Pure joy!
We own several “Melchers” and we love the way they brighten up our home. It is interesting to see how his work continues to evolve. Thanks James and best of luck!
James art reflects his sparkle and love of life he shares with the world. I have several pieces throughout my home from different stages in his life but they are all truly reflective of who he is and brings to all of us. thank you James.
-sis
James is a fantastic artist and a life inspiring friend. Great to see his work honored here!
Thank you so very much everyone!!
James is an uplifting and inspiring friend, and these qualities shine through in his art. I always feel joy when looking at a “Melcher”!
James brings a rich and open heart to his work. Thank you, James, for sharing your talent.
I am in love with James’ Skyline pic. And his energy is palpable. Love seeing his ‘in progress’ pics. He is a delightful man with an incredible talent.
I a newby Jamesophile. I’m thinking of changing my middle name from Josephine to Jamesphine.
I love James Melcher’s art. I love the colors, the vibrancy. I love his art because I know that it the intentional outward expression of the wonderful person it emanates from. James is one of those marvelous people who bring joy into a room and he is more.
He is multi layered.
He is joyful.
He lives a big life.
He travels extensively.
He is perceptive.
As social as he is he is also quiet and meditative.
He is serious and has a strong opinion.
He is a writer.
He is insanely curious.
He is surprising.
When I look at James’s art I see the man and for that I am fortunate.
WOW Theresa, Thank you so so much.
I have had the privilege of watching James’s process develop over the past ten years. In that time he I’ve seen him absorb critique and produce new and exciting pieces as a result of his openness and willingness to evolve.
He continues to draw inspiration from his physical surroundings which fuels his passion to create. Quite often his final work is not the destination of a particular process, but its the myriad of new ideas that have sprung up that keeps this artist driven.
I look forward to every new departure from James as I know it will be food for the eyes.
He should submit samples of his work to IKEA. His clean, modern and boldly coloured pieces would look amazing as bed linens, throw rugs, etc. It’s time his vision was shared with the masses. 🙂
Mr. Melcher’s work is as vibrant, life-affirming and optimistic as he is. Great to see it here!
I love, love, love his work. How can you not feel happy in the presence of such saturated colourand playfulness.
I love James’ work! I have two pieces and still want to collect more.
It is so colourful and well thought out in it’s composition. A great artist to follow.
I am lucky enough to own a Melcher. It seems to be always changing. I love James work. The paintings radiate so much energy and life.
He is a dedicated artist coming into his full brilliance!
HEY James your work is truelly brilliant
James’s art is just like snowflakes…they are each different and unique but they kind of look the same-ish!!! Melcher art is Melcher art…He OWNES his style and no one can replicate his style without being an art theif. I have seen James work his art from an empty canvas to it being on the wall and it takes a lot of time and accurate hands. From start to finish he is truly an Artist worthy of your attention!
James is amazing. I own more of his original worth than any other artists put together.
I love how optimistic every piece is! Inspiring!
James’s art is like James himself: engaging, bright, happy-making, friendly, quirky and accessible. Looking at his art, and watching him create his art, makes me want to join in on the process! James makes art fun!
James rocks!
I love James’ work! It makes me feel alive, buoyant, like its a good world afterall. I hope to own a piece of his work in 2011.
I have had the pleasure to have met James and he’s a really remarkable and beautifull person that creates beautifull stuff. He’s amazing and i am happy to know him and his work 🙂
Much love from Amsterdam
I love James’ work. It is unique and visually exciting. The nuances of his own spirit are out there in full colour — and he is a spectacular colourist. His pieces are not only a treat for the eye and the soul, but also have a personal depth born out of passion and commitment. He deserves great success.
I love James’ work. It’s all so bright and colorful! I purchased a piece of his work and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Not to mention that James himself is an amazing person. Love him!