The Warner Estate 2017 Painting

Australian artist James Watts was only 12 when his artistic talents were first recognised by the Queensland State Gallery, who nurtured his creative skills by rewarding him with a junior art scholarship. Throughout his schooling, his career path remained clearly in sight; culminating with Watts securing a place at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University; where he achieved a Bachelor of Fine Art, First Class Honours. Whilst Watts describes himself as a multi-disciplinary artist, he acknowledges that painting and sculpture continue to dominate his practice. With his work now found in numerous public and private collections across the world, interest in his work continues to grow. Everyday objects and materials are utilised thoughtfully in his artworks that insightfully respond to the way people connect and interact with both natural and built environments. In particular, Watts aims to raise awareness of these environments by highlighting aspects of human and environmental interactions. His work is developed and strengthened through numerous site visits and by utilising an eclectic assortment of materials, such as weathered discarded timber which predominate his current body of work. Through the use of diverse and contrasting materials, colours and shapes, the work also encourages participation on a more tactile and sensory level. Historic and personal connections are often made by collectors who quickly understand the significance of the old timber and painterly aspects that reference early Queensland timber homes and Industrial commercial sites. Similarly, the general public will easily relate to an ever increasing number of Watts’ public artworks commissioned by various public and government institutions. These successful public art projects, demonstrate his talent for creating bespoke artworks that can be scaled to suit in order to perfectly meld and enhance their environment. With a steadily growing profile, the work of James Watts continues to gain the recognition this mid-career artist deserves.