Grandson to Ladybird Children’s Book Illustrator Brian Price Thomas, James was drawing, making and creating from a very young age. Now equally comfortable working in ceramics, wire, mixed media, painting, and drawing, James’ work has been exhibited in local and national exhibitions including the last ever Art in Action. He has fulfilled several private commissions.
James graduated from Sussex University (Brighton) with a BSc in Biology and subsequently worked in conservation for the now South Downs National Part Authority, a position that enabled him to combine his love of wildlife and the principles of sustainability with his on-going artistic practice.
In 2010 he was invited by Karin Ort and Peter Jones to join them in running the Phoenix Studio Towersey. Here he discovered sculpture and works in a range of mediums – namely ceramic and wire. His love of wildlife is evident in his own art.
Since coming to the studio, James discovered he had an affinity for teaching. He has become recognised for his creative and inclusive teaching style, inspiring to both adults and children, working on and off site, in the studio and in schools.
The special ambiance of the Phoenix studio’s large making space and the stimulating association with other artists and makers have also enabled him to increase the scope, scale and ambition of his own work.