James Peter Henry
Artist
I I grew up on a remote beautiful Australian farm, hours away from Melbourne and Adelaide, with my twin brother, older sister, and parents who are deeply in love. Farm life was incredible, but I longed for the city after 18 years there. While my brother enjoyed farming, I turned to drawing. My parents took me to the Grampians caves, part of a vast mountain range created by ancient geological processes. The caves were stunning, with seashells and sand remnants from when the land was underwater. This discovery reminded me of the Earth's history. Aboriginal cave paintings in the Grampians showed their traditions and stories, serving as a communication tool over generations. These paintings mirrored other ancient civilizations' art, revealing shared human experiences. Aboriginal art's longevity was remarkable and biblical, connecting to their land and spiritual beliefs.
Working in an Aboriginal art gallery deepened my appreciation for their culture and it's expression through art. Their connection to the land and storytelling fascinated me. I combined this influence with my faith, using art to express my beliefs and share my spiritual experiences. By incorporating scripture into my artwork, I found purpose and direction. My paintings conveyed my connection to the land, faith, and culture. Art's power to evoke emotions and convey messages led me to create works that resonated with others who shared similar beliefs. Ultimately, my journey from being inspired by Aboriginal art to painting about faith and personal experiences provided a deeper purpose to my artistic expression. Incorporating scripture and sharing my spiritual journey allowed me to connect with others and foster conversations about faith, culture, and beliefs. This is what I do. I’m so happy my art has a visceral effect on others and is similar to my own experience. It gives joy and a cathartic experience to my audience as it does to me. This is why I’m an artist and not a farmer.
