Man in welding helmet

Artist Statement

I strive to create art that is striking and bold.  Rooted in simplicity, my sculptures explore the ever-present tensions of daily life: order and chaos, independence and interconnectedness, structure and whimsy—everything squared away, yet always in flux.  I deliberately work with straight, angular steel, drawn to both its inherent structure and the challenge it presents.  The art of each piece lies in transforming this rigid material into something organic, coaxing form to emerge through balance, movement, and space.  I embrace the evolving beauty of the metal itself by allowing the rusted patina of Corten steel to shine through—the mark of time that adds texture, depth, and character to each piece.

Artist Bio

Stephen James is a Dallas-based sculptor whose work has been shaped by years spent in Santa Fe, Los Angeles, New York, and throughout Europe—experiences that continue to inform his artistic vision.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a BBS in Finance from Southern Methodist University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University.  James is best known for his large-scale sculptures composed of interlocked squares of Corten steel.  He lives in Dallas with his wife and an assortment of rescue animals.

Person welding in a workshop wearing safety gear.