American multidisciplinary artist James Stanford, a native of Las Vegas, transforms his photographs of the city’s mid-century neon signage and architectural elements into mesmerizing contemporary works of art. In Shimmering Zen: Inspired by the Neon Lights of Las Vegas, Stanford composes his art digitally, starting with photography and spinning the images through an intricate and unique process. The process of multiple layers is what makes Stanford’s signature kaleidoscopic designs so visually deep and appealing. Stunning colors and patterns immediately immerse the viewer with new meditative realms.
The meditative spirit that is encountered when gazing into Stanford’s art is reflective of his own practice in Zen Buddhism. Stanford exhibits “Shimmering Zen” internationally and designs site-specific commissions that represent the bold and creative imagination inspired by his dazzling oasis found in the Mojave Desert. Shimmering Zen serves as a portal into Stanford’s prolific artistry and elegance. Stanford says of his work, “Las Vegas neon signage, which I see as the former jewels of the desert night, have come together with the use of modern technology, enabling me to weave it all together using the artifice of perfect symmetry into a spiritual object of meditation.” The mandala offers contemplation for both immaterial and material realities. Using a mix of traditional photography and digital techniques, artworks are made unique and compelling by vividly illuminated and moving networks and layers.
New works of art are included in this spectacular survey. Essays include the artist’s insights on Mutual Causality, Zen Buddhism, and Contemporary Art. Additional essay contributions by published art historians Jeff Rosen and Rosa JH Berland. Artist interview by Laura Henkel, a published curator, photographer, and writer. Essays by the artist provides insights into the artist’s conceptually complex and visually sumptuous work. This exciting edition will be available on November 1, 2021.
About the Author
American multimedia artist James Stanford has earned an international reputation for an innovative and diverse oeuvre founded on the values of artistic experimentation and meditative practice. He is celebrated for his pictorial orchestrations drawing upon the iconic midcentury architecture and neon signs of Las Vegas. While Stanford may pull images from popular culture, the artist’s work responds to esoteric interests, visual expressions of religiosity and spirituality, Zen Buddhism, and metaphysical concepts, including the creation of illusionistic fictive space. These images are widely recognized for a sense of radiant light, shadowy space and an infinity of crystalline forms. Based in Las Vegas, he exhibits internationally and is commissioned for site-specific art for corporate and private collections. His initial survey, Shimmering Zen, was published in 2017 and printed by Verona Libri in Italy and launched at The London Library as part of Asian Art in London event.
About Smallworks Press
Founded in 2006, Smallworks Press is an award-winning publisher specializing in arts and culture trade titles and limited editions. From motels in Vegas, to street art and aerial photographs of land art on the playa, for nearly twenty-five years Smallworks Press has published the work of artists and writers that explore our world and the place of the arts within it, and always – the shimmering Zen of the neon lights of Vegas.
Laura Henkel of ArtCulture PR served as Managing Editor for the project.