James Hammons
Vibrant Mystery
by Olivia de Haulleville
March 10, 2010

James Hammons— although in his fifties—comes across as an unusually tall teenager. He is, however, well-spoken and well-versed and as fluent in his written scenarios as in his painted desert scenes, which speak for themselves.

James was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, he was brought up near Big Bear Lake and started painting seriously around 4 years of age. At 16, his stature and youth lent itself easily to basketball which he played professionally in Europe. But his love of painting haunted him, tempting him to visit the art galleries there. Nevertheless, writing became his art of choice and he delved into screenplays, short stories and poetry. However 20 years later, needing a wordless venue, he arched back into painting.

Having ensconced himself fully into the Mojave Desert, James became one with its creatures. Asking him what brought him to the desert, James answers “I settled in the desert because the light is pregnant.”
After much hiking and rapture in the Joshua Tree flats and rocky hills, James managed to translate the vibrant mystery of the desert into his wildly colored scenes. Indeed, he rivals Van Gogh in his visionary representations of the nature surrounding him… leaving a lingering scent of freshness in the mind of the observer.

James received his B.A. in History & Psychology from University of Redlands, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from USC, has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Central America & U.S. and has shown his works in Utah, Connecticut, Huntington Beach, Big Bear, Morongo Joshua Tree and now, 29 Palms.
Some of his works can be seen at www.JamesArt.org

His works will be on display at the 29 Palms Creative Art Center, 6847 Adobe Rd., 29 Palms
www.29palmsCreativeCenter.com for a month. The Opening Reception will take place March 20th from 6 to 9, Call the Gallery for information or directions: 760-361-1805.