James Ellis, Artist:
"Drawing upon the tradition of 18th and 19th-century Realism and Naturalism, my paintings explore the dramatic landscapes of the North Shore and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Rooted in a foundation of careful observation and accurate representation, my technique combines expressive brushwork and palette knife to create unique textures that capture the raw, untamed beauty of the Lake Superior’s rugged coastline. In this process of creation, I seek to preserve the irreplaceable nature of vanishing places. Through this blend of observational accuracy and expressive interpretation, I aim to evoke a sense of awe and a deeper understanding of the natural world, inspiring viewers to cherish and protect this fragile natural scenery.”
"Each work reflects my interpretation of the area's natural compositions – the visual elements that inspire my art, both past and present. Featured pieces tell stories of Lake Superior's impact on the shoreline and the constant reshaping of the landscape by the interaction of nature and human influence. Select works share Ojibwa oral traditions, highlighting the significance of natural elements to their culture. Preservation is central to my work, documenting and preserving the unique character of the North Shore, capturing places destined to be lost or forgotten."
"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12
"As an oil painter using the alla prima technique, my brush and palette knife transform blank canvas into a visual short story, each page preserving a memory."