Portrait of the Artist Joe James
A son of Jamaica captures the canvas of his country
In memory of Joseph James, 1936 – May 2018
The sea is gentle as it splashes against the centuries old converted Georgian wharf which was once the Harbour Masters quarters. It is a fresh warm day. Overcast by Jamaican standards, but then again those standards are high. After all this is the island in the sun that Harry Belafonte sang about so fondly. On the day of our visit the ominous clouds held back. This was a good sign.
When we arrived, Joe James was working on a new creation. It had been a long time since I last saw him, too long. Joe James, his gracious wife, Joy and son Michael gave us a warm welcome.
Those of us who are artistically challenged, like myself, would just lounge in the ambiance of the tranquility that is Rio Bueno Bay, Trelawny. This setting is grist for the mill for one of Jamaica’s most accomplished artists.
Mr. James is a remarkable host, with a voice that a radio announcer would envy. His eyes seem to hold you captive as you listen to stories of his life’s journey which he is happy to share.
Storyteller
The story about being kidnapped by county rugby players, who saw his playing potential, in 1960’s England, is enjoyable. The even better story is of his impromptu audience with the Queen of England, who was visiting Jamaica at the time. So shocked were his family aboard that they called from England to say that they had just seen him on the telly.
They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and his vision is poured into his paintings. The gallery is bursting. Viewing the pieces is a journey through the life and times of not only the man, but of the people and a country.
Prestigious Scholarship
As a young man, Mr. James, was part of the Great migration from the West Indies to the England. Eight years after the Windrush brought the first wave of immigrants to Southampton, England. Mr. James arrived with his brother to take up his scholarship to the prestigious Saint Martin’s School of Art, London.
After graduating, and some travel across Europe. He decided to return to Jamaica to give back to his country and share the skills he had acquired via teaching and working on his own projects.
He soon established himself as an accomplished artist and entrepreneur, opening the Gallery Joe James, Lobster Bowl Restaurant, and Hotel Rio Bueno.
Visit Rio Bueno, Trelawny for the serenity. The 22 room hotel, owned by Joe James’ family is quiet in a sublime way.
The forced seclusion was brought about by the new highway bypassing the old one, the life blood of local entrepreneurs. However, it is also an opportunity to leave behind your beds on the beach in Negril, the parties of Ocho Rios and the craziness of Kingston. This complex retains an ambiance which allows not only artists, but sun seekers to thrive far from the “madding crowds ignoble strife.” Inquire about art classes here, as this is a place where your creative juices will flow.
A Jamaican Canvas
Gallery Joe James is a canvas that beckons your exploration. The visual art here, explores the beauty of the island, colonialism, the birthing pains of a nation and the return of a native son. The wall to wall art works embody the passion of remembrance.
His works are the story of Jamaica. An island of gorgeous beauty, surrounded by a tumulteous sea, often reflected in his seacapes, with colours of Jamaican sunsets, and after rain hues. The vibrancy and strength of the people are captured in his portrayal of their everyday tasks..
The sea is ever present, in his work and life, and he has weathered the storms of its sometimes caprious nature. From floods by the sea in Suffolk, England to life by the Bay of Rio Bueno, Jamaica.
In 2016, the Gallery celebrated 50yrs in Trelawny. Mr. James invited everyone to visit. Sadly, it was a couple of years before his homegoing in 2018. In his later years he battled serious illness, but he never let that deter him from spending his days beside the sea with his canvas and oils.
His family are proud to continue his legacy, and share his life stories. His works illuminate the gallery to the sound of the waves of his beloved sea as if paying tribute to the indelible memory of the artist.
Disclosure: I am honoured to share a bloodline with this elder and artist who has joined the ancestors. His generation paved the way for us.
Their response to challenges coming from humble origins show us that the only limits to our success are those we place on ourselves. To share the life of Joe James and his work is an opportunity to pass on this legacy.
Highly recommended: Hotel Rio Bueno Facebook
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