About James
James Stone is an Ocean Conservation Mixed Media Sculpture Artist, working full-time out of his environmentally conscious, hot glass studio, in Escondido, Calif.
James creates sea creatures and marine-themed sculptures that portray the beauty of the ocean’s diverse flora and fauna. His message of eco-awareness leaps from the forged aluminum and sculpted glass pieces, serving as a warning that fish and other sea life are disappearing at historically unprecedented rates due to over-fishing and environmental change. James hopes his work creates a dialogue.
“I want to ignite a spark inside each and every viewer, helping people to understand how their everyday choices effect the environment we live in and to think about how their seafood choices and their everyday lifestyle actions and purchases have a direct effect on our shared world,” said Stone.
James’ is best known for his use of color, and his unique process of casting glass hot out of the furnace; directly into the sculpted metal. His one-of-a-kind technique forges metal and hot cast glass with painted accents. Each piece has a long creation cycle and represents a great deal of time, talent and experience from start to finish.
Not only does James design commissioned work for individual clients, but also restaurants, museums and corporate businesses; from sets of tumblers/drinking glasses to massive vases, bowls, lighting fixtures and sculptures.
Additionally, James has made a name for himself conducting glassblowing classes to artists of all ages – children to adults. His Introductory to Glassblowing workshop has been a hit with many local and regional groups, from the Girl Scouts to large private and corporate events. Classes may be designed to include team building and leadership elements.
Awards
2000 Southern California Exposition, Honorable Mention
2001 Southern California Exposition, Honorable Mention
2002 Southern California Exposition, Special Award
2002 Fiesta Hermosa, First Place
2005 Indian Wells Arts Festival, Second Place
2005 Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens, Most Appealing Display
2006 Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens, Honorable Mention
2006 Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens, Mayor’s Purchase Award
2006 One of A Kind Show, Chicago, People’s Choice Award
2007 Dichroic by Design, Second Place
2008 Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens, Glass, Third Place
2014 San Diego County Fair, Exhibition of Fine Art – First Place 3D Sculpture
2014 San Diego County Fair, Exhibition of Fine Art – Second Place Recycled Material
2014 Orange County Fair, Visual Arts Competition, Fine Arts Professional Sculpture Mixed Media/Assemblage/Recycled – First Place/Division Winner/Best of Show
Commission
Creative and collaborative opportunities abound for students, interns and visiting artist. (760) 294-7447.
Education & Training
1974 Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts major
Fairleigh Dickensen University, Madison, New Jersey
1990 Applied Design and Glass
Palomar College, San Diego, California
1990 Paperweights with Paul Stankard
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood,Washington
2007 Intensive Study, Hot Glass Sculpture with Martin Janecky
Viccalo Studios, Van Nuys, California
2009 Intensive study, Hot Glass Sculpture with Pino Signoretto
Eugene Glass School, Eugene Oregon
What Past Climate Changes Reveal About the Current Threat–and How to Counter It
Wallace S. Broecker and Robert Kunzig
Bottmfeeder: How to Eat Ethically in a World of Vanishing Seafood
Taras Grescoe
The God Species
Mark Lynas
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