Shimmering Zen Inspired By The Neon Lights of Las Vegas

by Stanford, James; Rosen, Jeff; Henkel, Laura; Berland, Rosa JH; Lewis, Philip

• ISBN13: 9781733857437
• ISBN10: 1733857435
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-06-01
• Publisher: Smallworks Press

Summary

James Standford's Shimmering Zen: Inspired by the Neon Lights of Vegas is the long-awaited continuation of Shimmering Zen designed by Philip Lewis as both a trade and limited edition. Stanford photographs the mid-century neon signage and architectural elements of his hometown to create mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He has earned an international reputation for an innovative and diverse oeuvre founded on the values of artistic experimentation and meditative practice. Working inventively in a wide range of media and genres, Stanford is celebrated today for his pictorial orchestrations drawing primarily upon the iconic vintage signage of Las Vegas. The book includes essays concerning craft, technique, photography, digital arts, development of portfolio, the artist's journey, Zen Buddhism, influences of modern technology and practice, and the power of place.

The book includes more than 150 of Stanford's original works created over the past 20 years, as well as a foreword by Jeff Rosen, an essay by Rosa JH Berland, and an author interview by Laura Henkel.

Author Biography

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.