The RothkenThawler Effect
A Series of works experimenting with layering and colour. I continually explore different methods of using paints, whether I paint on canvas, paper or cardboard. While looking at the work of Frank Bowling, especially that of the early 70s, when he moved to New York, I noted that he states, ‘I broke loose and began to get much more involved in pure painting trying to fuse the kinds of things I was interested in with what could actually be upheld viably in a painting situation.’ (Gooding, 2021).
While considering colour, lyrical and abstract work, I saw the work of Larry Poons, who also uses colour and method as forms of expression, ‘…in the 1970s Poons began pouring, throwing, and splashing paint onto the surface of the canvas.’ (Poons 2021). Alongside these works I also explored the work of Rothko & Helen Frankenthawler – Using their widely written about work I experimented with layering and colour. I’d a great with Robert Rauschenberg that painting Rothko’s all day would be wonderful work. The detail in layering and colour is alchemy.
Transpersonal Unconscious Cosmos
This series of nine works, created on unprimed ‘denim’ canvas, which I think is akin to a coarse, 12oz cotton duck. The work began with acrylic washes. However, I continually explore different methods of using paints, whether I paint on canvas, paper or cardboard. While considering colour in lyrical and abstract work I also observe the relationship to feeling and expression and here I have created series that flow as part of one larger piece using techniques such as pouring, throwing, and splashing paint.
This series of nine paintings is the first work where I have made stretchers myself. The frames are 3ft x 3ft (96cm square) making a 9ft square of all the images together. The focus of the project was to observe my surroundings and consider the ever-changing world. These observations focused upon nature and the sky. Furthermore, the project also considered the several changes occurring in our societies, countries and the planet. I like to think that hope and positive change can be provided through arts and colour. Additionally, I have long been fascinated by, The Overview Effect, ’an experience that transforms astronauts’ perspective of the planet and mankind’s place upon it.’ (Planetary Collective, 2012).
Cosmic Trilogy
Alongside observation and consideration of the world as a whole my work considers the psychological; firstly the phenomenology of painting and viewing paintings, ‘ When the surface is right, then an experience with a certain phenomenology will occur. Universal Landscapes: Cosmic Rabbit, Lyrical fabrication & Pantheism Creation – 1.5 x 2m, Acrylic on Canvas
Secondly, I consider The Overview Effect (Planetary Collective, 2012); in which astronauts see the Earth, from space and realise that we are one humanity, on one planet and how things should change to reflect their understanding. This combined with a great reset will, hopefully, increase our understanding our planet, our cultures, societies and our immediate environments. It is my belief that the arts, in my case painting, can provide different perspectives, even providing seeds of hope and change, through colour and imagination allowing people to delve more deeply into that natural world that is around us.r, and it is this phenomenology that is distinctive about seeing-in’ (Bundgaard, 2014).
Water Colour Starts
Paintings & Digital Art
Artist Statement
As a visual audio artist creativity is important to me. I frequently consider my thoughts and perceptions of the world around me. I believe that creativity is extremely important to further self discovery and well-being and, therefore, should be given prominence in education – not to be withdrawn, as seems to be the case now and for a number of years previously. Creative play, creative work and creative exploration, ahead of the usual language and mathematics, to me, should be considered; allowing creativity to remain important throughout all learning and work and as a language of connected reality referencing the psychology of Carl Jung: who theorises, that for individuation to occur, the personal unconscious and the conscious ego have to be fully integrated and the collective unconscious, also known as the transpersonal unconscious a form of the unconscious where the mind contains memories and impulse is common to all of humankind as a whole.
I would consider my work to be Lyrical, Abstract Expressionism. Art that is described as free, emotive, with personal compositions unrelated to objective reality. I think that there is a difference that should be noted, a person’s nature is a part of reality. My work is part of my nature and a meditation.
Additionally, as a student of psychology my work considers how the arts can be useful in promoting healing and aligning with changes in societies, worldwide. ‘We are so adept at recognising and creating natural patterns: we embody some of the very patterns that are ubiquitous in the natural world in which we evolved.’
I use bold colours while also reverting back to colours of nature and my surroundings. A combination of pouring paint, on the floor, also adding detail later while the canvases are on the wall. An immersive approach allows me to become a physical part of the work while I create, while also allowing space to be meditative and, of the moment, working instinctively. This meditation is self care and with intention that my work inspires inner peace, tranquility and healing. Enquiries please email: nicolas.james@mail.com
BCAF
My paintings will be a part of the BCAF art festival in May & June 2026. There are works available to buy via their website: please click here
For more information please contact me: nicolas.james@mail.com
Nicolas C James - Artist 