Lou Davies James
Artist, Poet, Ocean Dreamer
The Journey
Originally from New York and now residing in the coastal haven of Winterport, Maine, Lou Davies James has spent a lifetime exploring the intersection of art and nature. With over 30 years of experience in early education, focusing on art development and music, Lou brings a deep understanding of creative expression to her work.
Her artistic journey with alcohol inks began in 2005, when she discovered the medium's unique ability to capture the fluid, unpredictable nature of water itself. Each piece becomes a collaboration between artist and medium, as the inks flow and bloom in surprising ways, creating organic compositions that mirror the rhythms of the sea.
Artistic Philosophy
"I am inspired by the sea song, gull caw, and the ebb and flow of wave, moon and tide. The unpredictable nature of alcohol ink mirrors the ocean's own temperament – sometimes calm and meditative, sometimes wild and free."
Lou's work embraces the spontaneous beauty of fluid art, where each piece tells its own story through the dance of pigment and alcohol. The vibrant colors flow across the surface, creating ethereal landscapes that evoke both the depths of the ocean and the delicate forms of botanical life.
Accomplishments
Published Poet
Three volumes of poetry exploring themes of nature, love, and the sea
Gallery Representation
Roux & Cyr Gallery, Portland, Maine
Private Collections
Artwork featured in collections from Maine to Colorado
Education
State University of New York at Brockport
The Creative Process
Working primarily with alcohol inks on Yupo paper and canvas, Lou's process is both methodical and intuitive. She begins each piece with a vision inspired by the coastal landscapes of Maine, but allows the medium to guide the final composition. The result is artwork that captures the essence of water in motion – fluid, dynamic, and eternally changing.
Recent explorations have incorporated metallic elements, including silver and gold leaf, adding luminous dimensions that catch and reflect light like sunlight on water. These mixed media pieces bridge the gap between painting and sculpture, creating textured surfaces that invite both visual and tactile exploration.
Exhibitions & Features
- Roux & Cyr Gallery, Portland, Maine - Ongoing
- Harbor Artisans, Southwest Harbor, Maine
- Belfast Harbor Artisans, Belfast, Maine
- Private showings and collections throughout New England