Artist Information

About my work
I grew up on the shoreline of Connecticut, and I am realizing how important and symbolic the shoreline and water have become for me.  The horizon line appears again and again in my images, at times dividing textural and color zones within the composition, but always suggesting possibilities and movement beyond the framed space.

My interest in Eastern philosophies, particularly the practice of meditation, and the ideas of impermanence, change, illusion and transformation, pervade my work. I feel that much of my recent work is also influenced by the aesthetics of abstract expressionist painters, and it is best interpreted by looking beyond the subject matter.  That is, I am not necessarily interested in boat hulls, dumpsters, rusty doors and other weathered objects in their own right.  It is the natural processes of growth and decay, and the powerful forces of nature that intrigue me.  As nature reclaims the objects we make, at times this process creates stunning visuals: rich textures, vivid colors, and geometric forms that become the basis for my compositions.

Process
Most of my photographs are traditional c-prints, which are custom photographs made from a color negative using an optical color head enlarger and darkroom chemistry.  They are printed in small runs. Sometimes only one photograph is made at a given printing.  Each time the negative is printed, the negative is reinterpreted.  Photographs are printed on to Fujicolor Crystal Archive photographic paper, the most archival photographic print emulsion available today. 

Photographs are mounted and matted on acid-free archival mat board, and framed behind conservation glass with UV coating.  Non-glare museum acrylic is also available.  Photographs are also available mounted on acid-free gator board.  A thin luster UV laminate is applied to the surface of the print, protecting it, and forgoing the need for glass and matting.  All photographs are signed and limited editions.

Bio
James Guay studied psychology and philosophy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  He received his first camera as a graduation gift and has been photographing ever since.  He is self-taught.  In 1995, while living in Chicago, he met Howard Allen, of the Art Institute of Chicago, who favorably reviewed his worked and encouraged him to pursue photography.

James Guay’s award-winning photographs have been shown in galleries in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.  Since relocating to Eugene in 2002, he has been exhibiting his work in fine art shows throughout the Northwest, California, and the Midwest where his work continues to win awards and be collected.

Price List
Photographs are available in different sizes depending on the particular photograph and the size of the edition. For a price list and photograph sizes, please contact me at .