Art & Life with James Thurman

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Thurman.

James, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Even as a child, I was intensely curious about how things were made and their material properties. Having a little workbench in my bedroom, I was always tinkering with some little project. As I thought about possible career paths while in high school, I knew that I wanted to do something creative that involved making things hands-on. I went to Carnegie Mellon University and received a BFA in Sculpture but was still refining the kind of work I wanted to dedicate my life to. While working as an assistant to a Swiss-trained metalsmith, Boris Bally, I realized that making functional objects that people could use was an essential part of my work.

In addition to sharing my creative works with people, I’ve also always felt passionate about inspiring others through teaching. After receiving my MFA in Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art, I’ve taught Metalsmithing & Jewelry at Penn State University and now at the College of Visual Arts & Design at the University of North Texas for the past nine years.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make jewelry and housewares that creatively combine a variety of materials and processes. Frequently, I use Thurmanite®, a layered composite of recycled paper and eco-resin that I developed more than fifteen years ago and trademarked. It’s a unique material that colorful and full of details from the various maps and books it is made from. Combining Thurmanite® with different metals produces durable and functional pieces that people can use for many years.

By creatively using recycled materials, I hope that people consider the environmental impact of their actions while seeing the value of ingenious problem-solving throughout their lives. I believe that the more people that live their lives responsibly and thoughtfully, the better the world will be for everyone. It’s a lofty goal, but I believe in working towards it one piece at a time.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Be as honest with yourself as possible. Don’t worry about anyone else and focus on your own true personal voice. That sincerity will be clearly evident in the work you create, and people will see and appreciate that commitment.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Throughout the year, my work is included in a variety of exhibitions around the country, sometimes traveling internationally. I regularly post updates from my studio on Instagram (@jamesathurman) and always at www.jamesthurman.com. Most recently, https://www.threefoldgifts.com/ started carrying my work along with the work by my wife, Umut Demirgüç Thurman.

The best compliment is to commission or buy one of works and share it with others by wearing or using it. I think of handmade jewelry as art you can easily carry around and share with your friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamesthurman.com
• Email: james.thurman@unt.edu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesathurman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesathurman
• Other: http://www.thurmanite.com/

Image Credit:
Images shot by James Thurman, Peter Hiatt, and Melissa Gamez-Herrera

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