James Mylne Bio
Recent Photos/images
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Born: 12/05/1981, Live: London.
Main Art Portfolio site - jamesmylne.co.uk
Site About Biro Art - birodrawing.co.uk
Flickr Photostream - flickr.com/J-R-M
Twitter Link - twitter.com/J_R_M
James first started exploring photo-realist drawing with ball point pens aged 16. In his last year at school (aged 18) he scrapped his plans to join the army and set his goal to become a professional artist and to master the ballpoint as a medium.
He completed a year foundation course at Chelsea Art College (London) in 2002. He then started his 3 year BA in Drawing at Camberwell the same year, followed by a Master of Arts degree, which he completed in 2006. After leaving college he set up the first internet site dedicated to supplying information and promoting the use of ballpoints in fine art (birodrawing.co.uk).
James has been employing ballpoints properly within his work since about 1996. He now mixes his unique ballpoint talent with other drawing media, such as markers, ink and spray paint.
James’ inspiration is drawn from many sources. His work blends study of the female form with imagery from Tibetan Buddhism and Japanese martial traditions. James frequently finds the inspiration for his new pieces whilst listening to music and travelling. The energy and inspiration derived from immersing himself in these experiences enables him to create his unique pieces.
The realism of form and texture that James achieves with a simple ballpoint often leaves the viewer unable to believe the images have such a humble origin. Close inspection of a piece often leaves a sense of wonder that he can achieve such photo-realist beauty freehand with a ballpoint.
James’ first exhibition was held in Fulham (London) at the Start Gallery in 2001. Since then 2 other public solo shows in London (Coningsby Gallery, West End, Nov, 2008 & Maverik Showroom, East End, 2009). Recently artists@twist have put on a number of successful private shows for him, with another public solo show being planned for later this year.
James is gradually becoming recognised as a very talented young artist. His work dominated the cover of a leading art magazine in the Czech Republic in December, 2009. Recently (April 2010), a London newspaper and a number of international online papers featured his latest commission, which was for Bic (the manufactures of the ballpoints he uses) which was the recreation of Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring”. Immediately following that came an interview with UK’s ITV news channel.
