PortfolioShakir James artwork

30 x 40 in. Charcoal & Graphite Drawing on acid free 300 gsm

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30 x 42 inches Graphite Drawing on acid free Strathmore 300 gsm Bristol vellum paper.

The original plan for this drawing was just to create something that was not only cohesive in terms of the elements that I use in my drawings but something that was pleasing to the eye in it's simple formality. Over the course of countless abused pencils, this drawing had finally found it's name.

Reach represents being free to take action towards what might seem too flamboyant, unorthodox or distant to others. The act of being trustfully guided, despite feeling blind at times to what could potentially be beyond your wildest dreams.

As simple as these two elements in the drawing are, it does leave quite an impression.

(2021)
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30 x 42 inches Graphite Drawing on acid free Strathmore 300 gsm Bristol vellum paper.

UNDISTURBED, exhibits a moment of stillness in one’s life, where transient solitude meets tranquility.

An unshaken moment of patience, awaiting the next step in one’s path to true calling. I wanted to create a visualization of what it feels like to remove all distraction in one's life, with the allowance to feel comfort in the reality that stagnancy is only that of an opportunity to move on to greater things in life.

I really enjoyed the entire creative process of this drawing. It challenged to me to push the boundaries of what I know when it comes to creating.

(2021)
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22.5 x 18.5 Graphite Drawing on acid free Strathmore 300 gsm Bristol Vellum Paper


As I embarked on creative journey of this piece, there was a sense of change within myself that I wished to display.
The ever so lasting replay of traumatic experiences in my head, self-doubt, worry, you name it! I honestly didn't think that I'd to come to ease with myself, overlooking the things that were changing behind the scenes that were molding me into strongminded person that I am today.
Transferred thoughts of doubts and fear that I wouldn't and never be into I will, I can and I am.

I am as strong as a ram.
I am a flower blossoming.
I am the reaper of my fruits.

Everything that once was, now replaced with what is and what will!!

A meaningful representation of transference.

(2021)

18 x 24 Graphite drawing on acid free Canson Mixed Media XL paper.

This drawing evokes an expression of harmony, growth, and freedom from life's constraints.

"yesterday (Jan17,2021) I was hit with devastating news that one of uncles had passed away suddenly and I'm currently grieving through my art right now. He was one of the best uncles I ever had. Funny, charismatic, intelligent and the list goes on. He always used to say, "Jay life is too short to not enjoy it, focus on what makes you happy and never hold grudges against anyone because you never know when death passes through town, work hard, play hard but most of all NEVER GIVE UP!" those were the words the young artist remembered as he completed this stunning work of art.

(2021)

18 x 24 Graphite drawing on acid free Canson Mixed Media XL paper

A lot of my drawings sometimes don't often have an initial meaning. I create based on how I feel. Of course, there may be concepts to the composition at hand, but they predominantly rely on emotions.

(2020)

18 x 24 Graphite drawing on acid free Canson Mixed Media XL paper

Why is she in such despair, the woman in the skull, is it because she is lost? has she loved too hard? no!
The inability to use the very gift which was given to every woman. What is that you may ask? The inability to create life!
As a creative I ever so often find myself falling into the abyss of unimaginative thoughts, but like a ram I am supposed to assess the situation and have the strength to push through the unfertile hardships as I face as an artist.

(2020)
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