Artist Nathan James approaches each idea differently, resulting in unpredictable paintings with a variety of styles. His series “Pleasure Island” is reminiscent of Pop-Art, whilst “Dark Matter” and “Creep Show” have a creepier, more surrealistic vibe to it. He uses Catawiki to sell some of his paintings, which is why we’ve had the honour to interview this interesting young talent!
"I find that I’m constantly drawing on things from my youth. I grew up in a city which suffered from economic decline after the steel industry collapsed."
First of all, are there any projects you’re currently working on that you would like to tell us something about?
I’m currently continuing to develop a new body of work that combines all the techniques and processes I’ve been developing over the last few years. I’ve been talking to a really great gallery in LA about doing a massive solo show there. It’s just at the discussion stage so I can’t say much about it just yet. There is also talk of working with someone in Paris. It’ll be a big step up if either go through.
Nathan James - Mother's Little Helper (2015)
Your style seems to change with every series of paintings you do. Why is that?
I get asked this a lot and honestly, I just love painting. I’ll get an idea I want to explore and go from there. I’m always learning and developing. The contemporary art market wants young artists to produce a bunch of paintings that kind of brand them and that’s never appealed to me. I get that galleries have clients who will buy up the majority of a given artist’s work so they need to know what to expect. But that model has never worked well for me and I’m not all that interested in making work like that.
"I’ve had a very positive experience with Catawiki and think it could be quite a disruptive technology."
What inspires you?
I find that I’m constantly drawing on things from my youth. I grew up in a city which suffered from economic decline after the steel industry collapsed. It’s getting pretty gentrified now but it was great growing up there. Lots of crazy characters and abandoned factories to explore. I also love listening to conspiracy theory videos on youtube. The weirder the better. Simulation theory and reptilian stuff are personal favourites. All this stuff inevitably makes its way into my work. You can find it if you look closely.
Nathan James - Let The TV Teach You (2015)
Do you think platforms like Catawiki helps making your work accessible to a wider audience?
Definitely so. I think it give people the opportunity to connect with artists and their work directly. I’ve had a very positive experience with Catawiki and think it could be quite a disruptive technology. I’m not exaggerating when I say I can imagine doing to the art world what Uber and Air B&B did to their respective industries. I kind of wish I could get paid for a couple paintings with stock.
If you could hang out for a day with someone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
This may not be a popular thing to say right now but I think it would be absolutely fascinating to spend a day with Donald Trump. I would love a front row seat at that circus. Who knows what goes on there?!
Nathan James - Road Warrior (2016)
What do you feel your job as an artist is?
I think my main responsibility as an artist is to be true to my vision. Painting is the only way I’ve ever been able to express myself and understand my world. Whenever I’ve had to compromise to meet expectations or deadlines, I’ve always been unhappy with the result.
Is there a series or a piece of art you feel the proudest of?
Right now I’m working on some smaller pieces that have a sort of have a economically depressed Sesame Street aesthetic about them. I’ve hit it a couple of times over the last few years and they’ve always stood out to me. I’m focusing on that right now. Also my Creepshow paintings and the faceless series. I like creepy, demented stuff with a touch of humour.
If you'd like to see which artworks Nathan James if offering up for auction this week then click here. You might also want to check out our weekly International International Street Art / Urban Art auction.