James Baker

When viewing James Baker’s mixed media works, people are usually struck by the aggressive lines, vibrant color, and texture instilled in each piece. Every color featured within the piece, seems to resonant off each other as if in contention and harmony at the same time. Baker builds up the panel by thick applications of gesso and acrylic paint. Before it dries completely he works back into the piece, using a metal pottery needle, digging out his aggressive lines.

These lines were influenced by his background in printmaking and encouragement in drafting. Baker studied at the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997. While attending the university, Baker was strongly influenced by one of his professors, David Dornan. Dornan suggested to Baker to explore printmaking because of his aggressive style, and this suggested has stayed with Baker’s style. After graduating from the university, he traveled Eastern Europe, finding new ideas and interest in his art.

Baker states “I have always been drawn to all of the beauty that I see around me. I am quick to study the colors with my eyes, the texture with my fingers, and the composition with my heart. My paintings tie me closer to the beauty I perceive and develop out of ideas that symbolize growth, rebirth, peace, and whimsical hope.”