Beyond the Paint: A Dialogue with James Cobb about his exhibition Landscape and Still-Life
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Kooness: Tell us about your collection and exhibition.
James Cobb: My exhibition Landscape and Still-Life has been on queue for quite a long time, and after a few attempts, we managed to come up with it. It was definitely a surprise to me how these artworks were so appreciated, despite their simplicity. The exhibition is made up of 28 pieces of figurative, portrait and landscape artworks. When I do my artworks, I usually am inspired by objects in their clearness, picked up from sales or stores. I usually work inside, and avoid plein-air painting, however I love looking at flowers from a distance.
K: Is there anything in particular that inspires you? Refer to one or more artwork?
JC: It is granted to say I love nature, however I would like to add how inspired I am by the themes I have seen in Taos, New Mexico. My wife and I had a house there - and going there made my artworks blossom. Particularly, I also love water. I have noticed how this element makes people calm and happy. I haven’t done too many water scenes, until the point where I joined this gallery.
K: How did your art evolve through the years? Have you always worked on nature and still-life?
JC: I used to have a model every single week, therefore I was doing more figure work. With time, I got tired of portraiture as most people don’t really buy portraits. I don’t think people want portraits from people they don’t know. I can say I cut my teeth with still life. When I teach, I focus on still life because it's easier for someone to learn this way, and since it takes time to learn.
K: If you had to attribute a personality to your artworks, which one would you choose?
JC: I like to stay true to everyday objects, people, and things that are in my world. I paint because I love it. I would say the personality would be faithful.
K: How does your background and upbringing influence your work?
JC: I enjoyed drawing since I was young. I remember when I was a kid and it rained outside, I enjoyed staying inside to draw. My artistic vein went away while I grew up, but then I met my wife, from whom I got great inspiration, I definitely would hand it to her. We have been married for 50 years now. We started going to many museums together and she influenced me to enjoy art. Also, I loved that it could be something that my son and I could do together.
I would also add I really loved the work from the artist Poole while I was growing up. I ended up sharing a studio with him - and watching him, or just being around him - gave me lots of inspiration. I gradually moved into being a full time artist at the age of 55 years old, so 25 years ago.
K: What have your watchers said about your works? What would you want to transmit?
JC: I try to stay away from that question…however I aspire to allow the viewer to write their own story. I don't paint to tell any story. I paint to bring beauty to the object or subject matter before me. Also, I make no attempt to communicate a particular emotional response with oils and brushes. I want the viewer to see my work and feel what comes naturally.
K: Please describe the artwork Peonies and Chinese Figures
JC: This is a smaller piece where I put a lamp, without its shade, shaped as a Chinese figure. I painted this artwork 3 months ago, when the Peonies were blooming and beautiful. The Chinese on the left, as I mentioned, is the bottom of the lamp. I was not trying to tell a story through it, I just wanted it to look good. I finished it alla prima, in a matter of hours.
Cover image: James Cobb. Sopyn’s Fruit Stand. Courtesy of 1515 Lincoln Gallery.
Written by Kooness
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