Visual
Although he was raised near New York City, James Lourie has made the West Coast his home for the past 40 years. With a view that “every painting is a journey into the unknown,” the longtime artist doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. We caught up Lourie recently to find out what makes him tick.
Cascadia Weekly: The bio on your website says you had to beg your father to let you study art in Spain at the age of 17. What finally convinced him?
James Lourie: I was a junior in high school when I read about the San Francisco State University Program in Valencia, Spain. My father didn’t live with us, but I knew he believed in education, so I called him. At first he was reluctant to pay for a college program, but when I told him how eager I was to study Spanish, he finally agreed. I studied Spanish, but studying sculpture was my real passion.
CW: Do you still sculpt?
JL: Although I don’t sculpt with clay anymore, I feel like I am sculpting with paint. I love the tactile quality of paint and the way the brush touches the canvas.
CW: You say you want your viewers to feel “wildness and order” simultaneously while looking at your paintings. Is that what you feel when you’re working?
JL: Opposites are very important in my work, especially the unity of opposites. I feel a great excitement when I paint, and I move between wildness and order, intensity and calm.
CW: How long has it taken you to become the painter you are today?
JL: It has taken me more than 30 years to paint as I do today. It has never been a straight line for me. Raising a family, teaching full time, and living life wove their way into my painting.
CW: What other painters inspire you?
JL: I am inspired by every painter I meet, either in person or in viewing their work. It takes courage to paint, write, dance, play music and practice the arts. I admire all who do.
CW: What will be the focus of your upcoming talk at the Amadeus Project?
JL: I want to share my joy, struggle and journey into art.
CW: What’s cool about the show at the Amadeus?
JL: What is so cool is that this music venue, the Amadeus Project, is committed to sharing their space with poets and painters. Music, poetry and painting—what could be finer?
CW: How many paintbrushes would you estimate you have in your possession right now?
JL: I have far too many brushes. One downfall for many artists is art supplies. I can’t go into an art store without coming away with a brush or two. Each brush symbolizes the hope for the perfect stroke to build the perfect painting. But, in reality, I think every artist has a few favorite brushes they use over and over again.
CW: What would you do if you couldn’t paint?
JL: If I couldn’t paint, I would write poetry. Poetry is painting in words. Poetry is about building right relationships through images. It is both abstract and precise.
CW: What advice do you have for budding artists?
JL: I would say “begin.” And learn and look and feel greatly. Never undervalue your feelings, and most importantly, trust yourself. Give us your gift. The world needs it.
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