James Maxwell creates art objects using industrial processes, such as welding and machining to manipulate materials, scale and surface. His pieces often point to the role of man as a maker and the manifestation of eternal truths of nature in his creations. He often employs the iconography of industrial machinery but is primarily interested in form and how ideas, once realized in three dimensions, transform image into reality.
James Maxwell has been teaching Metal Fabrication and Mechanical and Structural Design courses at OCADU since 2008. He has an independent practice, Maxwell Design, which is a commission based metal design and fabrication business since 1987. He has had extensive experience fabricating art and design in a variety of metals including aluminum, bronze, copper, brass, steel and stainless steel. He has worked with a diverse clientele including artists such as Liz Magor, Eldon Garnet, John Massey, Gord Peteran, Norman White, Simone Jones, Colette Whiten, Istvan Kantor and Rae Davis.
Education
1983-87: Graduate of Ontario College of Art, Jewellery and Metal Sculpture
Employment History
2008-present: Instructor at Ontario College of Art and Design University
1992-94: Technician at Ontario College of Art in the metal/jewellery studio with David Hunt
1992-94: Teaching assistant at Ontario College of Art to Norman White and Doug Back
1987-88: Metal Fabricator & Model Maker at Henry Piersig & Associates (special effects studio)
1987: Founded Maxwell Design
1985: Freelance Metalsmith
1984-85: Jewellery Designer at Burkhardt Jewellers
Exhibits & Awards
2003: Exhibited at the Interior Design Show
2001: Exhibited at the Toronto International Art Fair
1993: Group Show, From Start to Furnish at Genereux Grunwald Gallery
1989: Recipient of Ontario Arts Council’s Individual Crafts Grant
1989: Exhibited at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit
1988: Group Show, Metal Work at Gallery 76
1987: Solo Show, Rambunctious at the Weller-Potovsky Gallery
1987: Group Show, Weller-Potovsky Gallery
1987: Recipient of SAC Sculpture Scholarship
1987: Group Show, A Play of History at Power Plant’s inaugural exhibition
1986: Juried Group Exhibition, Medium is Metal, by the Metal Arts Guild
1986: Winner of Jaguar Sculpture Competition
1986: Recipient of Ontario Crafts Council Scholarship for Continuing Education
1985: Juried Group Exhibition, Metals at the Guild Shop, Metal Arts Guild