‘My art tells real life stories’
A new digital artist based in Cork has emerged on the Irish art scene.
Meet Dr E Alana James who has spent the past decade of her life in academic environments, working with and lecturing to masters and doctoral students at universities around the world from her base in Kinsale.
In her 30s, she put away her dream of being a full-time artist. Now she said she “is happy” to announce the dream is back as she embarks on a new personal creative path.
She explained: “My art tells real life stories, capturing moments in time. It celebrates all that life has to offer, the less tangible moments of our inner and outer lives. My passion is in digital art which involves taking and curating photos, collaging them using digital re-sizing and reformatting techniques, ending up with 20 or more layers to manipulate.
“I print all my digital collages on canvas, on abstract backgrounds, then overpaint and sometimes I embellish a piece so it has a raised and glittery appearance. I then personally sign each work of art.”
This is all done using her iPad and a graphics app called Procreate. Whilst drawing, painting and collaging, Alana can run through her ideas faster, reconsider and can change decisions made as each piece is developed.
She added: “People often ask why buy art? I believe buying original art is a treat that gives in so many ways. Buying for yourself, as a legacy to others, as an investment or in support of those who spend their lives dedicated to making the world more beautiful. Some people who buy art don’t need it. It is often an impulse buy — they fall in love with the art and really want to have it.”
“I was thrilled to display a collection of my art pieces as part of Kinsale Arts Weekend during the summer. I was the first artist to display art in the window of Canvas Works printing and designing business which was a great honour.”
Alana will exhibit her artwork at the Marina Market almost every weekend from 24 September until Christmas. Alana is also facilitating a 6 week, online course for anyone who draws, paints, take photographs or does collage and may wish to explore the digital means of art. See ealanajames.com for more.