Carving His Own Space: The Influences and Works of Sculptor Dorsey James
By: Alison Ellwood (continued from page one )

Before he could begin his work as a sculptor, James himself had to be forged, shaped and changed in the crucible of his own experiences. As a black American growing up in a ghetto of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James gained a perspective of the world that made him no stranger to hardships, learning the values of determination, dedication and the importance of remaining true to one's self. With no television to watch, Dorsey would often listen to his mother tell stories of the bible. The impact of these stories and the religious nature of the James family at this time would lead to a keen interest in myth and legend for James, as would be revealed later in his life as an artist. James recalls, "It [religion] fascinated me. It touched my life in many ways. It is part and parcel of the religious awe that I have with regards to life. It explains why biology fascinates me so much, why people fascinate me so much. Despite that I grow older and older, it never ceases to fascinate me. We didn't have a television set but we had Ma's stories." Today, when people discover that James grew up in the ghetto of Philadelphia, their reaction is most often remorse for the great suffering that must have been characteristic of his childhood. While James does not dispute the fact that at times life was difficult, he responds, "Actually, I had a ball down there [Philadelphia]. I learned a lot of things that people aren't able to learn up here [Markham]." His determination and opportunistic perspective have been characteristic of James since childhood; he is able learn and grow from even the toughest of situations.

Indeed, James's four years of service was an influential period in James's life where heexperienced not only hard work and the productivity of drive and determination but also the cold-blooded racism and hatred that exists in the worst parts of the human heart. James describes it simply as, "Some people didn't like being told what to do by a black person and some didn't like being told what to do by a young guy so I had to harden myself to that situation." In one instance, he nearly lost both of his hands when a fellow sergeant intentionally allowed a piece of aircraft machinery to slam shut while James's hands were still inside. "My hands would have been gone, just like that," he says. In addition to the times of pure hatred there were also times when James witnessed a faint light of hope and change. He tells the story of one white man from Alabama who came into the force with no respect for black people, forced to work alongside James in the toughest of conditions. After working together, James remembers how the man approached him one day and invited him to come and meet his family, describing James as "the type of person I want to have on my right flank." James laughs as he recalls what came next, "But you are going to have to come in the back door, my parents are kind of, well--" and James responds, "The only way you are going to get me in the back door is horizontally." These experiences have stayed with James ever since and have had a great influence on his work as an artist and teacher.

Along with his time spent in the United States, James has traveled extensively introducing him to the many cultures of the world and expanding his interest and knowledge of various myths and legends. Upon his return, James felt more acutely the difference between himself and his community. "I always felt as though I didn't quite belong there. When I went back people just weren't interested in my stories." It was at this point when James decided to go to York University in Toronto where he was awarded an undergraduate degree in fine arts and his education certificate. This was a significant change for James and one that would have great impact on the direction of his life. Not only was this new city geographically different, but James also noticed a significant difference with regard to his blackness, giving him a greater perspective of the nature of racism and human interaction. "The prejudice that exists in the United States, some say is better than what exists here in Canada because in the United States it's right in your face. You know exactly where you stand; you are at odds and you both know it. Whereas in Canada it's very subtle, you don't know that face of prejudice when you look at it. You only know that this person is treating you very nice and you should respond in kind, but as soon as you apply for that job, well--" James peters off as he shakes his head. He recounts a story of a professor who would give him no higher than a C-grade for even the highest quality of work; after diplomatically expressing his discontent with the unjust treatment, James was awarded a string of A-grades, which he also protested as unfair. "I wasn't trying to scare him. I wasn't trying to intimidate him. I just wanted to be treated like everybody else," says James with a hint of frustration. James's education at York left a lasting impression on him and helped direct him to where he is today, a talented artist and a wonderful teacher.

The works of Dorsey James are all a reflection of his life experiences and perspective of the world. His art and occupation bring to life his thoughts, dreams and inspirations. James's endeavours include both his wood sculptures and his life as a teacher. He has been showing his art professionally since his second year of teaching. When asked whether or not his work changed once he began selling his pieces he replied, "No, it hasn't yet and I hope it never does. Art is a very selfish pursuit. Its about my perceptions on the earth, my perceptions of the world and the universe--selling my work is just part of making a living." His religious background and interest in biblical characters continues to play a significant role in his artwork. Pieces such as Samson and Eden Seed are classic examples. Several pieces extend this religious theme to represent different myths and legends from all over the world, such as Rain Maiden and Selena. Many of his works can be viewed on his web page: www.novacan.ns.ca/djames/. In addition to selling his original pieces, James over the years has been commissioned to do specific work for people, a practice that has developed into nearly a full time occupation. Indeed, James has extended his wood sculpting talent with his knowledgeand interest in people, his breadth of experience, and his fascination of myth and legend into a unique venture. People seek him out to create a legend or artistic representation of their own lives. "I've always found beauty in people and I am fascinated by their experiences," says James. James understands people and life in an exceptional way and it is revealed in everything he pursues. He has been recognized time and time again for his work, including first and second-place winnings at many art and carving exhibitions in addition to receiving art and civic recognition awards from Markham, Scarborough and Pickering. He has completed numerous commissions and exhibited in the USA, Germany and across Canada. Notably, Dorsey James was the first black Canadian artist inducted into the Ontario Society of Artists, which has been deemed a major stepping stone by other black artists in Canada. It has been said that James has helped pave the way for future black Canadian artists. Most recently, his project entitled Home Place was a lengthy government commission and upon its completion James received recognition from all three levels of government. It was a project involving numerous carvings, many of which employed recycled hydro poles to represent light and communication. Located in Pickering, Ontario, Home Place was created to symbolize change, growth and evolution within our communities. The web page www.homeplace.ca provides photographs and explanations of each piece. This project aptly reveals James's influences and life experience. The images represent cultures, characters and stories from all corners of the earth. I was born and raised in the ghetto in the United States, I spent four years inthe United States Air Force, I traveled half-way around the world, and I've met people from all walks of life, so I'm reflecting my experiences in doing what I do, he says. What is expressed through his sculptures also comes through in his classroom. He has been teaching at Markham District High School for a number of years and year after year he inspires students with stories of his life experiences and ability to convey his knowledge and expertise of the fine arts. Without doubt, James's ability to craft and shape extends well beyond the base materials of wood, clay, or stone; like art themselves, his students reflect the knowledge and insight regarding the human character so crucial to James's persona.

As an artist and educator, James continues to inspire those fortunate enough to cross his path. As his portfolio continues to grow, so too does his skill and reputation. One of Canada's premier wood carvers, James is also a respected teacher. He will no doubt continue to draw from his rich personal experience in developing his art, recognizing his black heritage but focusing more acutely on his identity as a human being. While James does not see himself as wholly defined by his race, it is by no means ignored either. As James continues his work, he will not only shape and mould the experience of his young students or simply sculpt and treat the form of his wood; he will carve out for himself a well-earned position among the leaders of the fine arts community while hewing a path for future black artists in Canada to follow.