EXPLORATION by IAN JAMES

About the Artist:

Ian James is a leather craftsman and contemporary artist whose work bridges the gap between traditional material mastery and innovative artistic exploration. With a foundation in leatherworking, Ian transforms this often-overlooked medium into dynamic sculptures that evoke emotions, lived experiences, and the beauty of nature. Drawing inspiration from the interplay of texture, color, and form, Ian’s pieces push the boundaries of leather’s potential, both as a functional material and a vehicle for artistic expression.

Each creation reflects Ian’s passion for reshaping the unyielding into the organic, using techniques like dyeing, stitching, and molding to bring depth and fluidity to the work. Through these transformations, Ian invites viewers to engage with the dualities of strength and softness, structure and freedom, and tradition and innovation inherent in his art.