Shimmering Zen: Inspired By The Neon Lights of Las Vegas

Product Description



American multidisciplinary artist James Stanford, a native of Las Vegas, transforms his photographs of the city's mid-century neon signage and architectural elements into mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He composes his art digitally, starting with photography and spinning the images through an intricate and unique process. The process of multiple layers is what makes Stanford's signature kaleidoscopic designs so visually deep and appealing. Stunning colors and patterns immediately immerse the viewer with new meditative realms. The meditative spirit that is encountered when gazing into Stanford's art is reflective of his own practice in Zen Buddhism. Stanford exhibits "Shimmering Zen" internationally and designs site-specific commissions that represent the bold and creative imagination inspired by his dazzling oasis found in the Mojave Desert.
Shimmering Zen serves as a portal into Stanford's prolific artistry and elegance. New works of art are included in this spectacular survey. Essays include the artist's insights on Mutual Causality, Zen Buddhism, and Contemporary Art. Additional essay contributions by published art historians Jeff Rosen and Rosa JH Berland. Artist interview by Laura Henkel, a published curator, photographer, and writer. Book design by award-winning UK designer Philip Lewis of Lewis Hallam Design. Books are printed at Verona Libri in Verona, Italy, where special inks have been formulated to match the palette of the artist flawlessly, recreating the vibrant colors of the original works of art, and faithfully recreating them on each page.



About the Author



American multimedia artist
James Stanford has earned an international reputation for an innovative and diverse oeuvre founded on the values of artistic experimentation and meditative practice. He is celebrated for his pictorial orchestrations drawing upon the iconic midcentury architecture and neon signs of Las Vegas. While Stanford may pull images from popular culture, the artist’s work responds to esoteric interests, visual expressions of religiosity and spirituality, Zen Buddhism, and metaphysical concepts, including the creation of illusionistic fictive space. These images are widely recognized for a sense of radiant light, shadowy space and an infinity of crystalline forms. His practice includes digital and traditional photography, drawing, lenticulars, muralism, painting, projection, video installations, and textiles. Based in Las Vegas, he exhibits internationally and is commissioned for site-specific art for corporate and private collections.