Comments

"The reason I called Jim initially is because we had many people come into the gallery asking if we carried any of his images and when I finally saw samples of his work I was simply blown away. I know the talent and patience required to capture these types of images and Jim is, in my mind, a master.” ~ Melissa Welsh, co-owner of Elephant Mountain Gallery and a professional photographer herself.

"Jim's photography is impeccable but what's most impressive is the quiet rapport and acceptance he gain's from his subjects. Definately a journey of the spirit" ~ Ann Sherrod Chairperson of the Valhalla Wilderness Society and its chief writer."

 

Artist’s statement

 

In his photos Jim aspires to crystallize the character of the wildlife, birds, flowers and landscapes he encounters. He feels strongly that a high quality photo has to show the character of the subject and hint at what the photographer feels when creating the composition

 

Jim hopes to convey the wonder he feels while composing images and the folly of trying to steward something we can never fully understand. Rather than focus on environmental losses, however, Jim strives to captures the hidden mystery and magic in nature. A humble field mouse can engender affection and admiration, a magnificent grizzly can instill awe and respect, a heron can evoke reverence for the inestimable beauty and mysteries of nature.

 

It remains forever an honour to be granted observation privileges over an animal’s life. The draw to be among wild creatures, observe and understand them has become a mystical quest for Jim.

 

Wild animals and birds, flowers and landscapes are profoundly important to Jim. His passion is to share moments with wild creatures in the hope that others will become aware of the intense beauty and magnificence of nature. The importance of protecting wild nature has become abundantly clear as Jim has entered into the sacred space of animals and birds, alpine meadows and ancient forests. Herons and bears and orchids share our habitat, after all, and have as much right to a safe home place as we do.

 

Bio

 

Jim developed a keen fascination for the natural world in early childhood. Accompanying a fur trapper on a two-week stint along a remote trapline sealed the deal for Jim at age 13. Life in the bush seeped into his heart and soul, and has driven him to learn about the natural world ever since.

 

Jim learned the basics of composition and subject lighting from his mother while learning to work her Kodak box camera. He was infected with the 'magic' of the photography darkroom in elementary school. When he ran out of money while travelling in Africa, he took work in a Kodak processing and printing facility. At the Durban Institute of Technology in South Africa, he got formal training in the principles and practice of photography.

 

Among Jim’s favourite photographers are Yousuf Karsh, Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz,  and Freeman Patterson.

 

"I want the stark beauty that a lens can so exactly render presented without interference of artistic effect” ~Edward Weston 1927