James G Miles lives and works as a professional artist from his Minerstown home and studio in County Down. It is here that he paints his land and seascape paintings and produces his sculptures in bronze.
From St. Patrick’s County Down to Galway and Connemara or to The Currach Men of Aran, James seeks to gain an in depth knowledge of his subject to enable an approach which must for him, include emotion and a deep understanding of the story he is trying to tell with his work.
“I love the mix of rural and coastal Ireland. The sea is very important to me; I am intrigued by its movement, colour, danger and calmness. I take inspiration from the struggle for survival that coastal peoples endure. In particular, I have been influenced by the history of the sailing work boats and the Island people around the area of Galway Bay. The Galway Hookers hold a special magic for me. I love to see their majestic ruggedness as they sail ‘against the odds’ at almost impossible angles. These are the images, which come to the canvas through my memories, thoughts and imagination.”
The late Ian Hill, Author, highly respected Art Critic and Broadcaster – On James G Miles:
“James’ working life is dominated and seduced by both the waves’ charm and its power and danger. It is no wonder that James’ paintings and sculptures are empowered by the almost incalculable powers of the sea. From their thick impastos of richly textured and coloured paints you can all but taste the very salt of the spray, wipe it’s pearls from sun kissed brow, hear the thump of the wave’s crest on the bow, brace for the shudder of going about under the whack of a soaked and heavy canvas sail, the muscle powered heft of rope and rudder, cleat and anchor.”
In 2007 James and Ian were commissioned by a County Down publisher to produce the book “Lecale – St. Patrick’s County Down.” Words, Ian Hill and paintings by James G Miles.
James’ profile as an artist has increased dramatically over the past 20 years.
His work is held in private collections throughout Ireland, UK, Germany, Holland, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
Among his collectors are, the current President Of Ireland Michael D Higgins,
Joan Burton TD, Tánaiste, Minister for Social Protection Dublin, The Emirates Heritage Club Abu Dhabi, South Eastern Education and Library Board for Northern Ireland, a former Miss Columbia, Sean Kelly, The President of GAA Ireland, Directors of photography on major films, Radio and TV/producers, well known media personalities and renowned International Irish Musicians. James takes great pride from the fact that one of his paintings graces the walls of the offices of the Galway Hooker Association in Carraroe, County Galway and also those of The Claddagh Boatmen Galway City, Ireland.
