
Past Exhibition
Roots and Relics
‘Roots and Relics’ (2024/5) is a series of works all developed during or in response to time spent as an artist in residence at Torre Abbey in 2024. James’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world, with a focus on light, colour, and space. His creative process is grounded in open-air painting across the landscapes of Torbay and Devon, responding to the patterns and design of nature through direct observation and thoughtful refinement. He also has an ongoing interest in the expressive potential of colour in both figurative and abstract work. Since moving from Bristol, where he studied, to Paignton in 2009, James has been dedicated to painting directly from life, developing a strong connection to his surroundings and responding instinctively to the world around him. Encouraged by early sketching experiences and the support of his family, James’s practice continues to evolve through experimentation and quiet reflection. After reaching the semi-finals of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, James was awarded a residency at Cockington Court, where he was supported by Director Marissa Wakefield in further developing his practice. This led to his first solo show and eventually to securing a permanent studio space, where he continues to work and teach today. During his residency, James had the chance to share his work with visitors, including Charles and Camilla, who viewed his residency work in 2022. Primarily working in oil, James also explores printmaking and sculpture at his studio. His sculptural pieces often feature hand-built natural forms, while his printmaking offers a distilled, expressive response to a variety of subjects. James has exhibited regularly, earning recognition from the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. About the Work This body of work is rooted in James’s time at Torre Abbey, where he explored the building, its grounds, and the surrounding landscape during a month-long residency. The smaller open-air studies provided valuable insights that informed his larger works, blending real and imagined elements. On a larger scale, James envisioned nature dramatically overtaking the abbey, engulfing its structure, and emphasising themes of transformation and resilience. The site supports a unique ecosystem, and James sought to highlight the importance of preserving the architecture while celebrating the natural environment. Without intervention, nature could reclaim the space entirely, blurring the boundaries between the man-made and natural worlds. This programme is a collaboration between Artizan Collective CIC, Torre Abbey, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Funded by the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme through National Lottery Heritage Fund Investment, with additional support from CAF; a government funding stream, administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), to protect treasured heritage assets in England from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and funding from Museum Estate Development Fund using public funds by Arts Council England Torbay Council and the Friends of Torre Abbey (FOTA).
📅 25 May – 22 June 2025
Launch
📍 Artizan Collective
⚫ Exhibition Finished
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