Jim lives in Iowa, is married and the proud father of two grown children, a son and daughter.

Most of Jim’s background has been in Arizona where photography, hiking and exploration have been his precursor to painting and writing. He states, “To experience the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, whether trekking the desert floor with its intricate flowers, its stately Saguaros and the full bloom of its golden Palo Verde’s, or climbing to the mountain tops sensing the varying flora, fauna, and views, has been the catalyst of inspiration to preserve the memories.” He adds, “Colorado, with its craggy, snowy peaks, high, expansive views and flowered fields, is also a favorite location to enjoy and find inspiration on hiking and photography trips with my son.”

At an early age, his artistic gift started to bloom in his desire to create with drawings.
Because of certain responsibilities and economic reasons that led him through many career changes, he was distracted from his love of artistic expression. Through the instruction and nurturing of a gifted, self-taught, accomplished artist of wildlife, his aspirations came alive again. He adds, “After I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, my inner most being opened to a creative nature that was not manifested before.”

“I will have to admit, I am somewhat of a romanticists with restraint.” His written expressions, included with some of his paintings, have an essence that projects, an experience of inner depth and a more emotional consideration to the reality of his subjects.

Now, his ever varying subjects are presented mostly in oils. He is a realist that compels a “desire to touch” with his detail and color. He says, “It is my goal to encourage one to stop and look awhile that one’s mind will sink deeper into my work than just a passing glance.”

His works have been exhibited and sold in Scottsdale and Phoenix Galleries. Although he has sold most of his paintings in the past to individuals, collectors, and for commissions, he now, with the support and encouragement of his lovely wife, wants to share with everyone possible what is in his heart and soul with the presentation of his paintings and writings. Many more are in process.

Soon, he will be releasing a series on wild animals, mostly Americana and from the African Continent. In the planning stages are a series on the “Virtues of the Human Spirit” He says, “I believe these virtures are being suppressed to the point of becoming lost. I want to leave a reminder to the importance of preserving them.”

An example of written expressions with a painting:

WINDOW OF THE PAST
A Painting

Visualize if you will, an old vessel of pottery from the Anasazi period, approximately 1100 AD, protected by overlapping rock walls from the elements. Other vessels unprotected, broken and scattered through time lay nearby. Looking out beyond, you can see the homes of it’s creators, of course, deserted and in ruin, with a background of rough terrain, mountains and a majestic sky.

Time is at the present…

Many sounds are in the wind. Shh, be still and listen carefully…the vessel speaks…

“O DUST OF TIME, I STAND BEFORE YOUR WARM WINDS
OF DAY AND COOL BREEZES OF NIGHT. PRESERVE ME
TO ENDLESS AGES THAT SOME MAY SEE AND KNOW OF
ME; OF WHAT I AM AND OF WHAT I’VE DONE.

I’VE BEEN CARESSED AND MOLDED WITH CARING HANDS.
I HAVE CHEATED DEATH AND PROLONGED LIFE. I HAVE
SEEN THE BURST OF STARS IN THE CLEAR NIGHT SKY
AND THE HAPPINESS OF LOVE. I’VE HEARD THE SHOUTS
OF HUNGRY LIPS CALLING FOR A CHANCE TO LIVE AND
CREATE ANOTHER WORLD.

EMBRACE MY ENTIRETY UNTIL THE DISASTER OF NATURE
LEADS TO NEW DIRECTIONS. I AM ALONE WITH MY
MEMORIES OF THE PAST. FREE ME OF LIMITLESS TIME,
SO I MAY BE KNOWN AND BE OF USE AGAIN.”

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Once a life has ended, it is too late to change what has transpired for time has closed its door. Now, is the opportunity to act, from a wisdom gained from mistakes, to gift the present and future with fruits misplaced in the past. There is no condemnation for occasions wasted if one, through a rebirth, has yearnings to bridge the gap of lost time. It is only in God's redemption that the past is washed away and new beginnings are as the blooms of spring.

James D. Embry ©