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Premiere Edition 1998
Art Notes: Writings on the Visual Arts in Canada
Toronto, ON
Names in the News
by Chris Bennett
The late Canadian artist Harold Town once said to James Picard that his "gift was rare in the art world". A statement that will no doubt haunt Picard for the rest of his career and something that should not be taken too lightly or cast aside as mere art jargon. Picard is a breath of fresh air in a stifled room of comatose artists who sit around sipping cappuccino and discussing the thin line between arts and crafts. His resume' reads like a text book on modern art history, apprenticing with world renowned artists, exhibiting in more than forty shows and capturing awards from New York to Los Angeles in a career that only began over a decade ago.
Picard makes no bones about his passion for the work he does, which seems to be fueled from an endless source of inspiration that he says, "has gone from a fire to an inferno since November 1, 1994." No explanation is given.
His work is progressive at the least and seems to warrant the attention that is starting to come his way. Picard works in a variety of mediums, from oil to watercolour to pen and ink to welded metal, and all his creations carry a weight of interest that demands not only an audience, but a respect from the viewer. Few artists have had the ability that is clearly shown here, and at the youthful age of 34, there is a maturity of one who has acquired knowledge before their time.
Photo: James Picard in front of "Profile of a Woman" painting 1997