“Hope the Pathfinder”
2012/2023
In 2012 The Farm of Cultural Crossroads commissioned James to create “Hope, the Pathfinder.” The 12-foot-tall site-specific welded metal, wire, and rope sculpture is a tribute to his maternal grandmother.
Over the years the people of the rural community of Minden, Louisiana embraced “Hope” by interacting with and embellishing her. In 2023 James completely refurbished “Hope” with new rope, wire, and blue and red paint.
“Oscar Joseph” 2023
Produced with help from hundreds of school children at the spring Artbreak! festival. The inspiration is James’ maternal grandfather, O.J. Williams.
“Oscar Joseph” is a five-foot-tall site-specific welded metal, rope, and pipe cleaner sculpture in the Central ARTSTATION. You can find him next to a vintage fireman’s pole in the middle of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s offices. SRAC commissioned the project.
“Art in Unexpected Places” 2023
The Shreveport Downtown Development Authority commissioned James and fabric artist Charmel Lester to create individual pieces for placement around the downtown Shreveport area.
The experience was directed to pedestrians along well traveled routes through Downtown Shreveport.
Both artists have long-standing commitments to creative placemaking by sharing their work in various outdoor locations.
“Red Star of Fate” 2017
Utilizing the sidewall panel of a shipping container on a empty downtown lot, James created a large-scale installation that asked viewers to reflect on how they can control their own destiny. It’s a phrase James’ maternal grandfather, a soldier, school principal, and clock repairer, passed down to James.
The visual intervention allowed for the placement of contemporary art in a landscape undergoing transition. Dallas Curator and visual artist Lesli Marshall collaborated with James.
