James Watts

Australian artist James Watts was just 12 years old when his artistic talent was first recognised by the Queensland State Gallery, which nurtured his creative potential through the award of a junior art scholarship. From that early encouragement, his path as an artist was firmly established. He later earned a place at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art (First Class Honours).

Although Watts describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist, painting and sculpture remain central to his practice. His work is now held in numerous public and private collections across Australia and internationally, with interest in his practice continuing to grow.

Drawing thoughtfully on everyday objects and reclaimed materials, Watts creates artworks that explore the ways people interact with both natural and built environments. His practice seeks to foster greater awareness of these relationships, highlighting the complex connections between human activity and the landscapes we inhabit.

Research is integral to Watts' creative process. His works are informed by extensive site visits and the careful selection of eclectic materials, particularly weathered, discarded timber, which has become...

Bachelor of Fine Arts with First Class Honours, Queensland College of Art, Brisbane.

Awards and scholarships:
2009 Griffith University Award for Academic Excellence.
2008 Griffith University Award for Academic Excellence.
2008 Flipbook Gallery Professional Development Award.
2008 eX de Medici and Griffith Artworks Award.
2007 Griffith University Award for Academic Excellence.
1984 Queensland Art Gallery art award scholarship.

2024 Sculpture Prize, Burnett Heads Art Show. 2021 Gimme Shelter, Woolloongabba Art Gallery.
2016 Woolloongabba Art Gallery, Brisbane.
2015 Woolloongabba Art Gallery, Brisbane.
2013 Homemade, Crucible Gallery, BCM, Brisbane.
2012 Down The Rabbit Hole, Art Factory, Berlin.
2012 Artcycle, Incinerator Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria
2012 Moreton Bay Regional art awards
2011 Woolloongabba art gallery, Brisbane.
Local Velocity, Brisbane Institute of Art.
Jugglers artspace, Brisbane.
Metro Arts, Brisbane Festival.
Moreton Bay region art awards, Brisbane.
Hassell Architects, Brisbane.
Gayden Lawyers, Brisbane.

2010 Small Works Prize, Brunswick Street Gallery , Melbourne.
Construction of Situations, Bari Festival, Brisbane Gas Works, Newstead.
Fall Out, Art Factory Gallery, South Brisbane.
Moreton Bay Regional art awards, Brisbane.
Small Works Prize, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Construction of Situations, Bari Festival, Brisbane Gas Works, Newstead.
Awkward, The Wandering Room, South Brisbane.
The Art of Wood, Redcliffe City Art Gallery, Bribie Island Regional Gallery, Qld.