James H. Moore Artist Statement

A longtime interest in art and the natural world was the catalyst for my transition from a technology career to wildlife art. The journey began while I was growing up in Texas where I spent most summers with grandparents in rural environments. The opportunity to spend so much time with wildlife developed into more than a casual interest. The ability to draw led to many renderings of both wild and domestic animals and birds. Being self-taught, my drawing slowly evolved into painting and then sculpting wildlife. My current work incorporates experiences from both painting and sculpture.

Viewing wildlife in their natural environment is important for developing an overall sense of the animals, their habits and gestures. Residing both in the Bay Area of Northern California and in Santa Fe, New Mexico provides me with a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. Finding wildlife in the southern Rockies is not difficult. However, many find it surprising that I can observe deer, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions in a neighborhood that has the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop. And bears are not too far away.

I find the best wildlife viewing opportunities in remote, backcountry locations that are somewhat difficult to access. My visits into these areas range from day hikes and extended backpack excursions to helicopter transport. Cameras, binoculars and a sketchpad are always at hand during these trips. These photo and sketching trips have included destinations from Yellowstone, with its great variety of wildlife, to Hudson Bay where the polar bear is, by far, the most prominent resident.

When most people observe wildlife, the focus is on the animal – eye to eye. The surrounding backdrop becomes blurred and abstract. The intent of my work is to capture a blend of realism and abstraction in a wall hanging collage of elements which form a vignette of the animal and its environment. Each piece consists of miniature animal sculptures set in fields of color, form and texture. Elements of a piece includes the cast bronze or silver animals with an acrylic textured and painted wood panel and/or combinations of stone, glass, wood and metal.

Back to James's Moore's main page