Get Ready to Explore with jeffersoncountyartguild.org

About me:

Hi, I'm James Bolte. I'm a self-taught pyrography artist, living in Dittmer, Missouri, with my wife, April. We have six children and three grandchildren. I grew up in House Springs, MO. along with my parents and six sisters. I attended Our Lady Queen of Peace grade school, Northwest High School,  and Jefferson College. 

Why do I create art? 

I enjoy the challenge of trying to portray a subject in such a way that transforms the viewer into a story that I am sharing with them. 

Why my Art? 

As an artist, I use a unique medium: Pyrography on Paper! Pyrography, or wood burning, uses heat and burn marks to create art. It is very time-consuming and much less forgiving than most mediums. I also use a unique style often referred to as detail and realism. I do my best to pay close attention to detail to capture a level of realism in sepia-like tones. 

People of Influence:

My family and friends have always provided me with a strong, supportive base, along with a couple of wonderful teachers. 

Other Influences: 

Birds drew my attention.... so I started drawing birds! My parents helped me create a "bird sanctuary" outside my bedroom window. Not satisfied with simply watching birds from the feeders, I would place bird seed on my art desk. It didn't take long, and the birds were landing there, allowing me to study and draw them just inches away. They now had my complete attention. I didn't just "see" a bird in front of me,  now I could see the stiff tail feathers, with the shafts splitting each feather to equal parts. The wings, too, contained rigid feathers, but the shafts were off-center. I could now see the softer contour feathers covering its body.; Even the softest down feathers were occasionally seen as the bird preened or fluffed up a bit. I also quickly noticed the personalities and expressions of individual birds. By taking the time to look at intricate details, aspects of my life were changed. This is what I strive to achieve in my art. 

What do I expect to accomplish with my Art? 

My goal, as an artist, is to create a captivating story that encourages others to gain a new perspective about the world around them. To slow down and simply pay closer attention to the small details that make life exciting and fun, yet are so overlooked. 

Contact me: 314-805-9622 jamesbolteartist@yahoo.com