“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” - Christian D. Larson. Jim has accepted all challenges that have come in his life and has overcome obstacles with great confidence. While serving in the Vietnam war he was shot in his head. He survived the gun shot with several complications and eventually, after many years, lost his sight. This sudden loss of sight left him unable to teach at the university of Colorado and he could not fathom how he could continue with his passion for art. All he could see were roadblocks in his life with his sudden loss of vision. With encouragement from his daughters he regained charge of his life and rejoined the world of art by modifying his technique. His outstanding talent and dedication have earned him numerous recognitions and awards including the VA National Gold Medal for Fine Art, the Sargent Art Supply Company National Award for Art and many more. He has also successfully published three books on art. Besides art, Jim has also exceled in the area of martial arts and has achieved the rank of Shodan - a Shaolin black belt.

What is the importance of art in your life? What inspired you to become an artist?J: When I was young, I watched my grandmother create beautiful works of art and that captured my imagination. I fell in love with art watching her. For most of my life art was a beloved hobby. It wasn’t until after I lost my eyesight and at the encouragement of my two youngest daughters that I set myself the challenge of making art a profession, despite the obstacles I knew would be ahead of me.

What kind of approach or modification in techniques for art have you adopted after loss of vision?J:  I switch between five different lenses that both magnify and minify while I work. I also learned to slow things down in my head so my hands can translate accurately what I see in my mind’s eye. I also learned a number of ways to lay out an idea before I start. I discovered that having the patience to prepare often means the difference between something good and something amazing. I also learned to use black and white more effectively because after losing my sight I can see them better than other colors.

Which of your art creation gives you the most fulfillment as an artist and why?J: The harder the work is to create the more satisfaction there is when it’s done. Easy defines no one. My monofilament paintings are usually the hardest and most fulfilling works I create, though I have to admit that I try to enjoy whatever I’m working on.

Can you tell us more about your book Scrimshaw Techniques? What is more enjoyable to you, being an author or an artist?J: I love art and I love to write and I could never choose one over the other. I wrote the book Scrimshaw Techniques for my art apprentices. After losing my eyesight, scrimshaw was the first type of art I got into and I was teaching a few people who wanted to learn. After reading the text, my apprentices encouraged me to find a publisher who would take all my loose pages and put them into a real book. I sent out several query letters and Schiffer Publishing liked the idea and published the book. Since then, they have published two more books I’ve written.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to your heart and why?J: After losing my sight, I tried and failed to be accepted into art shows for over four years. When I finally won my first Best of Show award at an open art competition, I knew all the effort had been worth it and my art was finally appreciated both publically and critically. But I never started creating art for the awards. I did it because it was something I loved and a challenge I needed to face. That said, though, I really do appreciate every award my work has ever been honored with.

What has kept you strong during difficult times in your life?J: I don’t think I’m strong. I think I just hate quitting and I’m always curious. I’m always looking for the next thing I can explore, learn and do. When I get a new idea, my kids just say, “He’s gone again.” It’s not about being strong. It’s about moving on and moving forward. Sometimes that’s the strongest thing we can do.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?J: We hang out, barbecue, talk, play games, go fishing – pretty average stuff that most families do. Although the topics we discuss can be wide-ranging at times – everything from art, to business, to military service, to astrophysics and biochemistry. I must admit I have a very eclectic family and group of friends.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?J: My favorite place to visit is not actually a single place. It’s wherever I can meet engaging people with great ideas and talent who are willing to share. You can always learn best from people who are actually doing the work. Sometimes I feel like an idiot because these people are so smart or good at what they do, but they always make me think and spark new ideas of my own. Other than meeting talented people, I love the world I’ve created in my studio where I can think, create, and work on new projects.

What tips do you have for those in our community who are interested in becoming a Artist/Writer?J: You’ll never reach a dream unless you focus on it. Many people say they would love to get a book published one day, any kind of book, but they never sit down and actually make it happen. If you want something, you have to start it and you have to finish it. That requires focus and most people let themselves get distracted. If you want something, you have to seriously focus your time and attention on it. Think before spending that next hour in front of the television. Would it be better spent at the easel or keyboard?

Any special message for our community?J: We all face challenges and we all face failure but don’t let failure stop you from trying. In the end, success is measured by what we accomplish and you can’t get anything done if you give up or don’t even try.