web01.fireside.fm Mon, 25 May 2026 15:41:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Austin Art Talk - Episodes Tagged with “Roi James” https://www.austinarttalk.com/tags/roi%20james Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0600 The goal of the podcast is to facilitate connections with and to learn from the successes, struggles, life experience, and wisdom of the people featured, most of whom live and create in Austin, Texas. The honest conversational flow of these weekly long form interviews lends itself to some really great insights and information that is available to anyone who wants to listen. Join us to explore the origins, stories, lessons, lives and work of those in our community who are at the forefront of creative expression. The podcast is hosted by photographer, art enthusiast and collector, Scott David Gordon. en-us episodic In depth conversations and wisdom from Austin artists and creatives, about life, work, and creativity. Scott David Gordon The goal of the podcast is to facilitate connections with and to learn from the successes, struggles, life experience, and wisdom of the people featured, most of whom live and create in Austin, Texas. The honest conversational flow of these weekly long form interviews lends itself to some really great insights and information that is available to anyone who wants to listen. Join us to explore the origins, stories, lessons, lives and work of those in our community who are at the forefront of creative expression. The podcast is hosted by photographer, art enthusiast and collector, Scott David Gordon. no austin artist, podcast, austin art podcast, austin texas, austin art, interviews, local artist, conversations with artists Scott David Gordon podcast@austinarttalk.com Episode 83: Roi James - The Next Level https://www.austinarttalk.com/83 18013e3a-1a4d-4281-ab6a-781a177b0474 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0600 Scott David Gordon 83 Roi James - The Next Level full Scott David Gordon Two years on from our first interview, Episode 18, which I highly recommend listening to before you proceed with this one, I recently had the privilege of a tour of the new home and art studio of Roi James. It was great to have the chance to further the dialogue and talk more about Roi’s successful career, where he finds himself now, and where he might be headed. And just like in our first conversation there is no lack of vulnerably on Roi’s part, as he shares his thoughts about being in an in-between place, recuperating and settling into the rhythms of his new space, finding inspiration, and contemplating the necessity to take his whole life and artwork to the next level. We also notably discuss the likely reasons for his success, pricing artwork, portraiture, art market challenges, and we go a little more in depth about loving more deeply and how that manifests in his life. 1:01:27 no <p><strong><em>"I think it’s ok to be in a space of feeling lost at points in your life. That’s actually a great place to be."</em></strong><br> <br><br> Two years on from our first interview, <a href="https://www.austinarttalk.com/18" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Episode 18</a>, which I highly recommend listening to before you proceed with this one, I recently had the privilege of a tour of the new home and art studio of <a href="https://roijames.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Roi James</a>. It was great to have the chance to further the dialogue and talk more about Roi’s successful career, where he finds himself now, and where he might be headed. And just like in our first conversation there is no lack of vulnerably on Roi’s part, as he shares his thoughts about being in an in-between place, recuperating and settling into the rhythms of his new space, finding inspiration, and contemplating the necessity to take his whole life and artwork to the next level. We also notably discuss the likely reasons for his success, pricing artwork, portraiture, art market challenges, and we go a little more in depth about loving more deeply and how that manifests in his life.<br> <br><br> <img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/mKfm-Hy_.jpg" alt=""><br> Portrait of Roi on the roof of is new home. Photo by Scott David Gordon<br> <br><br> <strong><em>Bio courtesy of Roi's website</em></strong></p> <p><strong>The Story Of My Work</strong></p> <p>I was 28 when I realized I wanted to become a painter. Until then and to this day, I had never studied art nor had any formal training. I’d always had the “gift” and recall my kindergarten teacher showing my mother my drawings and expressing how advanced they were for my age. But art was not a realistic occupation as I’d been indoctrinated into the “tragic artist” mythology, that to become one was to lead a sad and ultimately unfortunate life. So quite by accident, at 28, I attended a life drawing class and within the first 30 seconds of the first drawing, in the most supernatural way, I was was transformed. It would be another seven years before I had my first gallery show. Between then I poured over books of the techniques of the old masters and immersed myself in tens of thousands of images, slowly developing a rich visual vocabulary. I became enamored with the painters Titian, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, among others and with the romantic landscapes of Claude Lorrain, J.M.W. Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich. It was the majestic beauty and drama in these artist’s paintings and the long tradition of disciplined study and technique that attracted and inspired me. It would become the holy grail of what I would hope to find in my own work. And so my early paintings were infused with the dramatic play of light on human bodies and landscapes.</p> <p>I achieved a degree of success with this early work which in 1998, allowed me to quit my full-time job as a graphic designer at Dell Computer and focus entirely on painting. Though I continued to work in the traditional style of layered glazing in oils, I was already feeling a pull away from convention and a desire to explore painting’s greater possibilities. Where it had been a hunger for tradition and discipline that established my foundation, I was now compelled by a meditative thoughtfulness in being present and a desire to release myself into the uncertain world of abstract and conceptual painting. This began a ten year transition away from one style and method and into the new. However, my interest in form and beauty never wavered. Even the method of applying layered glazes continued to instruct my new work, though from a very unique and self invented process. My new paintings are spontaneous and abandoned Meditations, appearing as quiet spaces or joyful dances on the canvas. My Constructs are architectural explorations of color and surface, simultaneously both painting and sculptural relief. Fundamentally, despite their dissimilar surfaces and the contrast to my earlier romantic period, this new work remains true to my commitment to beauty and form.<br> <br><br> <img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/-V7sJDZe.jpg" alt=""><br> Architectura 01.14.20, 2020 Oil on Panel 30 x 30 in<br> <br><br> <em>Current/Recent Exhibitions</em></p> <p><strong>Spectrum</strong></p> <p>New Work by Roi James</p> <p>JANUARY 18th - FEBRUARY 22nd, 2020</p> <p><a href="https://www.davisgalleryaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Davis Gallery</a><br> 837 West 12th Street<br> Austin, TX 78701<br> 512-477-4929</p> <p>Davis Gallery is proud to announce Spectrum, Roi James' first solo exhibit in Austin in nearly a decade. In this new collection, James presents works ranging from brilliant, undulating polychrome constructs, to delicate oil paintings contemplating the expanses of the open sea. Over the course of his career, James has boldly shifted his artistic vision, reinventing himself many times over and enjoying consistent success along the way. His mastery of several mediums and styles has attracted national attention and local fame. Spectrum, represents his latest triumphs, and delivers a complete series of diverse, significant work. This exhibit will be on view from January 18th through February 22nd, 2020.<br> <br><br> <img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/bKQpRDOh.jpg" alt=""><br> I Am Forever -framed, oil on canvas 35.25 x 27.25 in. Not for Sale<br> <br><br> <strong>Some of the subjects we discuss:</strong></p> <p>The last two years<br> Getting used to new space<br> Arriving and landing<br> Confronting voices<br> Parasite movie<br> Not one or the other<br> Talent from the start<br> Marketable work<br> Driven to learn and grow<br> Getting help<br> Selling work<br> Leaving a gallery<br> Changing landscape<br> Connecting in new ways<br> Democratizing art<br> New collectors<br> How to price work <br> Current prices<br> Spectrum at Davis<br> Portraiture<br> Self portraits<br> Fonda San Miguel<br> Working in new space<br> Feeling lost<br> Feeling empowered<br> Unsure about interview<br> Thinking about cancer<br> Loving more deeply<br> Creating moments<br> To the next level<br> Getting rid of things<br> Different choices<br> The gift of song<br> Violon D"ingres<br> <br><br> <img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/EMMgl6Zo.jpg" alt=""><br> Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon<br> <br><br> <img src="https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/INa_DBQA.jpg" alt=""><br> Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon<br> <br><br> <strong><em>Contact Roi</em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://roijames.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://roijames.com/</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="mailto:rjstudio@roijames.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">rjstudio@roijames.com</a></strong><br> <br><br> This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.</p> <p>Intro music generously provided by <a href="http://stankillian.com/main/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Stan Killian</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.austinarttalk.com/supportpodcast" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Support this podcast.</a> </p> austin art, austin art podcast, austin artist, austin texas, conversations with artists, interview, interviews, local artist, podcast,roi james "I think it’s ok to be in a space of feeling lost at points in your life. That’s actually a great place to be."


Two years on from our first interview, Episode 18, which I highly recommend listening to before you proceed with this one, I recently had the privilege of a tour of the new home and art studio of Roi James. It was great to have the chance to further the dialogue and talk more about Roi’s successful career, where he finds himself now, and where he might be headed. And just like in our first conversation there is no lack of vulnerably on Roi’s part, as he shares his thoughts about being in an in-between place, recuperating and settling into the rhythms of his new space, finding inspiration, and contemplating the necessity to take his whole life and artwork to the next level. We also notably discuss the likely reasons for his success, pricing artwork, portraiture, art market challenges, and we go a little more in depth about loving more deeply and how that manifests in his life.



Portrait of Roi on the roof of is new home. Photo by Scott David Gordon


Bio courtesy of Roi's website

The Story Of My Work

I was 28 when I realized I wanted to become a painter. Until then and to this day, I had never studied art nor had any formal training. I’d always had the “gift” and recall my kindergarten teacher showing my mother my drawings and expressing how advanced they were for my age. But art was not a realistic occupation as I’d been indoctrinated into the “tragic artist” mythology, that to become one was to lead a sad and ultimately unfortunate life. So quite by accident, at 28, I attended a life drawing class and within the first 30 seconds of the first drawing, in the most supernatural way, I was was transformed. It would be another seven years before I had my first gallery show. Between then I poured over books of the techniques of the old masters and immersed myself in tens of thousands of images, slowly developing a rich visual vocabulary. I became enamored with the painters Titian, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, among others and with the romantic landscapes of Claude Lorrain, J.M.W. Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich. It was the majestic beauty and drama in these artist’s paintings and the long tradition of disciplined study and technique that attracted and inspired me. It would become the holy grail of what I would hope to find in my own work. And so my early paintings were infused with the dramatic play of light on human bodies and landscapes.

I achieved a degree of success with this early work which in 1998, allowed me to quit my full-time job as a graphic designer at Dell Computer and focus entirely on painting. Though I continued to work in the traditional style of layered glazing in oils, I was already feeling a pull away from convention and a desire to explore painting’s greater possibilities. Where it had been a hunger for tradition and discipline that established my foundation, I was now compelled by a meditative thoughtfulness in being present and a desire to release myself into the uncertain world of abstract and conceptual painting. This began a ten year transition away from one style and method and into the new. However, my interest in form and beauty never wavered. Even the method of applying layered glazes continued to instruct my new work, though from a very unique and self invented process. My new paintings are spontaneous and abandoned Meditations, appearing as quiet spaces or joyful dances on the canvas. My Constructs are architectural explorations of color and surface, simultaneously both painting and sculptural relief. Fundamentally, despite their dissimilar surfaces and the contrast to my earlier romantic period, this new work remains true to my commitment to beauty and form.



Architectura 01.14.20, 2020 Oil on Panel 30 x 30 in


Current/Recent Exhibitions

Spectrum

New Work by Roi James

JANUARY 18th - FEBRUARY 22nd, 2020

Davis Gallery
837 West 12th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-477-4929

Davis Gallery is proud to announce Spectrum, Roi James' first solo exhibit in Austin in nearly a decade. In this new collection, James presents works ranging from brilliant, undulating polychrome constructs, to delicate oil paintings contemplating the expanses of the open sea. Over the course of his career, James has boldly shifted his artistic vision, reinventing himself many times over and enjoying consistent success along the way. His mastery of several mediums and styles has attracted national attention and local fame. Spectrum, represents his latest triumphs, and delivers a complete series of diverse, significant work. This exhibit will be on view from January 18th through February 22nd, 2020.



I Am Forever -framed, oil on canvas 35.25 x 27.25 in. Not for Sale


Some of the subjects we discuss:

The last two years
Getting used to new space
Arriving and landing
Confronting voices
Parasite movie
Not one or the other
Talent from the start
Marketable work
Driven to learn and grow
Getting help
Selling work
Leaving a gallery
Changing landscape
Connecting in new ways
Democratizing art
New collectors
How to price work
Current prices
Spectrum at Davis
Portraiture
Self portraits
Fonda San Miguel
Working in new space
Feeling lost
Feeling empowered
Unsure about interview
Thinking about cancer
Loving more deeply
Creating moments
To the next level
Getting rid of things
Different choices
The gift of song
Violon D"ingres



Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon



Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon


Contact Roi

https://roijames.com/

rjstudio@roijames.com


This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian

Support this podcast.

Links:

]]> "I think it’s ok to be in a space of feeling lost at points in your life. That’s actually a great place to be."


Two years on from our first interview, Episode 18, which I highly recommend listening to before you proceed with this one, I recently had the privilege of a tour of the new home and art studio of Roi James. It was great to have the chance to further the dialogue and talk more about Roi’s successful career, where he finds himself now, and where he might be headed. And just like in our first conversation there is no lack of vulnerably on Roi’s part, as he shares his thoughts about being in an in-between place, recuperating and settling into the rhythms of his new space, finding inspiration, and contemplating the necessity to take his whole life and artwork to the next level. We also notably discuss the likely reasons for his success, pricing artwork, portraiture, art market challenges, and we go a little more in depth about loving more deeply and how that manifests in his life.



Portrait of Roi on the roof of is new home. Photo by Scott David Gordon


Bio courtesy of Roi's website

The Story Of My Work

I was 28 when I realized I wanted to become a painter. Until then and to this day, I had never studied art nor had any formal training. I’d always had the “gift” and recall my kindergarten teacher showing my mother my drawings and expressing how advanced they were for my age. But art was not a realistic occupation as I’d been indoctrinated into the “tragic artist” mythology, that to become one was to lead a sad and ultimately unfortunate life. So quite by accident, at 28, I attended a life drawing class and within the first 30 seconds of the first drawing, in the most supernatural way, I was was transformed. It would be another seven years before I had my first gallery show. Between then I poured over books of the techniques of the old masters and immersed myself in tens of thousands of images, slowly developing a rich visual vocabulary. I became enamored with the painters Titian, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, among others and with the romantic landscapes of Claude Lorrain, J.M.W. Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich. It was the majestic beauty and drama in these artist’s paintings and the long tradition of disciplined study and technique that attracted and inspired me. It would become the holy grail of what I would hope to find in my own work. And so my early paintings were infused with the dramatic play of light on human bodies and landscapes.

I achieved a degree of success with this early work which in 1998, allowed me to quit my full-time job as a graphic designer at Dell Computer and focus entirely on painting. Though I continued to work in the traditional style of layered glazing in oils, I was already feeling a pull away from convention and a desire to explore painting’s greater possibilities. Where it had been a hunger for tradition and discipline that established my foundation, I was now compelled by a meditative thoughtfulness in being present and a desire to release myself into the uncertain world of abstract and conceptual painting. This began a ten year transition away from one style and method and into the new. However, my interest in form and beauty never wavered. Even the method of applying layered glazes continued to instruct my new work, though from a very unique and self invented process. My new paintings are spontaneous and abandoned Meditations, appearing as quiet spaces or joyful dances on the canvas. My Constructs are architectural explorations of color and surface, simultaneously both painting and sculptural relief. Fundamentally, despite their dissimilar surfaces and the contrast to my earlier romantic period, this new work remains true to my commitment to beauty and form.



Architectura 01.14.20, 2020 Oil on Panel 30 x 30 in


Current/Recent Exhibitions

Spectrum

New Work by Roi James

JANUARY 18th - FEBRUARY 22nd, 2020

Davis Gallery
837 West 12th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-477-4929

Davis Gallery is proud to announce Spectrum, Roi James' first solo exhibit in Austin in nearly a decade. In this new collection, James presents works ranging from brilliant, undulating polychrome constructs, to delicate oil paintings contemplating the expanses of the open sea. Over the course of his career, James has boldly shifted his artistic vision, reinventing himself many times over and enjoying consistent success along the way. His mastery of several mediums and styles has attracted national attention and local fame. Spectrum, represents his latest triumphs, and delivers a complete series of diverse, significant work. This exhibit will be on view from January 18th through February 22nd, 2020.



I Am Forever -framed, oil on canvas 35.25 x 27.25 in. Not for Sale


Some of the subjects we discuss:

The last two years
Getting used to new space
Arriving and landing
Confronting voices
Parasite movie
Not one or the other
Talent from the start
Marketable work
Driven to learn and grow
Getting help
Selling work
Leaving a gallery
Changing landscape
Connecting in new ways
Democratizing art
New collectors
How to price work
Current prices
Spectrum at Davis
Portraiture
Self portraits
Fonda San Miguel
Working in new space
Feeling lost
Feeling empowered
Unsure about interview
Thinking about cancer
Loving more deeply
Creating moments
To the next level
Getting rid of things
Different choices
The gift of song
Violon D"ingres



Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon



Roi looking at the view from his new studio. Photo by Scott David Gordon


Contact Roi

https://roijames.com/

rjstudio@roijames.com


This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian

Support this podcast.

Links:

]]> Episode 18: Roi James - Leaps of Faith https://www.austinarttalk.com/18 d7a0ad60-7b39-4879-83e8-31b0659ec9f6 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0600 Scott David Gordon 18 Roi James - Leaps of Faith full Scott David Gordon A raw and thoughtful conversation with contemporary artist Roi James about his life, work, and path through diversity to success. He specializes in creating sublimely beautiful abstract paintings and "Constructs" that are a combination of sculpture, painting, and architecture. 1:12:22 no <p><strong>"You're an artist, you can create your future"</strong><br> <br><br> After twenty years of being a full time artist you learn a few things. Like how to make simple but transcendent art, and how powerful and capable you really are. At least that could be said for <strong>Roi James</strong>, someone who has made it through a lot of adversity and challenges of belief to find success. But it’s not over yet. After many leaps of faith he’s gotten to where he is now, but at this very moment he is in midair hoping to again find firm footing when he lands. It might be a similar feeling to staring into a blank canvas or deep into yourself. Roi creates sublimely beautiful abstract paintings and "Constructs" that are a combination of sculpture, painting, and architecture. Please enjoy this raw and fascinating conversation filled with the wisdom of the artists journey.<br> <br><br> <strong>Some of the subjects we discuss:</strong></p> <p>Childhood talent<br> Starving artist myth<br> Discovering art again<br> Choosing to create beauty<br> Staying in touch with music<br> Working at Dell for 7 years<br> Joining Davis Gallery<br> 1st show with Steve Brudniak<br> Old masters style<br> Quitting job at Dell<br> The first three years<br> Help from financial coach<br> Ending gallery representation<br> Money as freedom<br> Selling out of the studio<br> Knowing your power<br> Leaps of faith<br> Hitting bottom and getting help<br> Caring and support <br> The appeal of abstract art<br> Belief systems/feeling worthy<br> Having cancer/facing death<br> To love more/creating moments<br> Pursuing songwriting<br> Future plans<br> Offer to artists<br> <br></p> <p><strong><a href="https://roijames.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://roijames.com/</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="mailto:rjstudio@roijames.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">rjstudio@roijames.com</a></strong><br> <br><br> Banner painting image Seru Andromius by Roi James </p> "You're an artist, you can create your future"


After twenty years of being a full time artist you learn a few things. Like how to make simple but transcendent art, and how powerful and capable you really are. At least that could be said for Roi James, someone who has made it through a lot of adversity and challenges of belief to find success. But it’s not over yet. After many leaps of faith he’s gotten to where he is now, but at this very moment he is in midair hoping to again find firm footing when he lands. It might be a similar feeling to staring into a blank canvas or deep into yourself. Roi creates sublimely beautiful abstract paintings and "Constructs" that are a combination of sculpture, painting, and architecture. Please enjoy this raw and fascinating conversation filled with the wisdom of the artists journey.


Some of the subjects we discuss:

Childhood talent
Starving artist myth
Discovering art again
Choosing to create beauty
Staying in touch with music
Working at Dell for 7 years
Joining Davis Gallery
1st show with Steve Brudniak
Old masters style
Quitting job at Dell
The first three years
Help from financial coach
Ending gallery representation
Money as freedom
Selling out of the studio
Knowing your power
Leaps of faith
Hitting bottom and getting help
Caring and support
The appeal of abstract art
Belief systems/feeling worthy
Having cancer/facing death
To love more/creating moments
Pursuing songwriting
Future plans
Offer to artists

https://roijames.com/

rjstudio@roijames.com


Banner painting image Seru Andromius by Roi James

Links:

]]> "You're an artist, you can create your future"


After twenty years of being a full time artist you learn a few things. Like how to make simple but transcendent art, and how powerful and capable you really are. At least that could be said for Roi James, someone who has made it through a lot of adversity and challenges of belief to find success. But it’s not over yet. After many leaps of faith he’s gotten to where he is now, but at this very moment he is in midair hoping to again find firm footing when he lands. It might be a similar feeling to staring into a blank canvas or deep into yourself. Roi creates sublimely beautiful abstract paintings and "Constructs" that are a combination of sculpture, painting, and architecture. Please enjoy this raw and fascinating conversation filled with the wisdom of the artists journey.


Some of the subjects we discuss:

Childhood talent
Starving artist myth
Discovering art again
Choosing to create beauty
Staying in touch with music
Working at Dell for 7 years
Joining Davis Gallery
1st show with Steve Brudniak
Old masters style
Quitting job at Dell
The first three years
Help from financial coach
Ending gallery representation
Money as freedom
Selling out of the studio
Knowing your power
Leaps of faith
Hitting bottom and getting help
Caring and support
The appeal of abstract art
Belief systems/feeling worthy
Having cancer/facing death
To love more/creating moments
Pursuing songwriting
Future plans
Offer to artists

https://roijames.com/

rjstudio@roijames.com


Banner painting image Seru Andromius by Roi James

Links:

]]>