Rebecca James
Mixed Media
My work explores the ideas of perception, cognition, and social and collective identity relative to the human experience. Defense formation, i.e., boundaries and control, are two present aspects of my artistic research. My study started as an investigation of the role shadows play in the visual interpretation of our world– and how their significant function exceeds that of delineating an object's placement in space. A shadow has no tangibility but can modify visual reality, creating an implied boundary. A boundary's responsibility is to protect us or others from us—setting limits and keeping in or out. Among a shadow's complex system of shape and spatial relationships, deconstruction and reassemblage of a shadow's shape(s) create new visual stimuli upon which I apply visible boundaries. These works play with the delicate interactability of what the viewer sees and what disappears from view. Incorporating layers in my works is a barrier of order and protection from perceived chaos. The ideological implications of boundaries have extended to artwork exploring decisive control (or lack thereof) in an abstract context. These works are an analogy for attempts to control something or someone in which one has no agency to regulate. The result of these works, as within life, is that one must put a boundary into place to remain whole. Aesthetics and the importance of materiality led me to work in a fashion where various media operate together unexpectedly. My working methodology provides a visceral invitation to the viewer, designed to prompt inquiry and contemplation of the work's subjective assertion.
Image Gallery
Here is some of my artwork for you to look at. If you're interested in purchasing any pieces, please feel free to reach out to me via email. You can find my email address above.