Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim McJunkin.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After a brief stint as an art major at North Texas State University, I received my draft notice and became a still photographer in the U.S. Army. My photography skills were honed in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971. Upon completion of my military commitment, I traveled around the country and in 1973 moved to Austin, Texas and got married. Working as a telephone technician proved to be easier than selling art photography, so I worked for SW Bell / ATT until retirement. In 2005 my wife and I moved to Wimberley, Texas. During all that time I continued to travel and make photographs. I became involved in underwater photography and photographed the above and underwater realms of Mexico, Belize, The Bahamas, and the Galapagos Archipelago. My wife and I still travel quite a bit. Two of my favorite destinations are Machu Pichu, Peru, and Cambodia.
In Wimberley, I am involved with the Wimberley Valley Art League and have work in the Art on 12 art gallery. I am also involved with the Texas Bold Beauty Project, which showcases women with disabilities and is currently exhibiting photographs at The Peoples Gallery at City Hall in Austin, Texas. That show continues until the end of 2019. (Google Texas Bold Beauty Project for more information).
Please tell us about your art.
I am a photographer and have been making photographs for over 50 years. I began when film was processed and printed in a darkroom. I still have one in my house, although it doesn’t get much use anymore. The sink is actually a horse trough that almost fit in the closet of an extra bedroom that was painted dark. I’ve gone digital now but still can’t embrace the idea of losing the horse trough.
My initial approach is documentary. I try to capture an image that is dynamic, represents the surreal nature of life, and defies my natural instinct to improve it. Sometimes that actually happens, and those are my favorite images, documents made with a single click of the shutter. My other portfolio is a collection of photographs that have been manipulated in a variety of ways. Multiple exposures and painting directly onto the master print are a couple of common methods.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
-Community art organizations
-Attend art receptions
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have photographs that are currently being displayed at the following locations:
-The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, (permanent collection)- Chicago, Illinois
-Texas Bold Beauty Project – The Peoples Gallery, City Hall, Austin, Texas
-Art on 12 – art gallery, Wimberley, Texas
-Wimberley Valley Art League – community center, Wimberley, Texas
BOOKS:
-Vietnam, Reflexes and Reflections – The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum Collection – Abrams
-Deep Sleep – Lamar University Press
-The Road to Elsewhere – 2nd Tier Publishing
-Earthly Things – 2nd Tier Publishing
-84B20 – 2nd Tier Publishing
PAST EXHIBITS:
-Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Austin, Texas – Mexicarte Museum, Austin, Texas. – LBJ Library, Univ. of Texas, Austin, Texas.
Contact Info:
- Website: jmcjunkin.com
- Phone: 5128479719
- Email: jim@jmcjunkin.com
Image Credit:
Jim McJunkin
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
