Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane, Ngati Kuia, Ngati Raukawa
James studied at Whitireia Polytechnic gaining a Diploma in Craft Design in 1994 and a Diploma in Whakairo (traditional Maori carving) under the tutor ledge of Takirirangi Smith in 2006.
James has worked on various commissions including a group commission with Kaihatu (director) Cliff Whiting – ‘Te Hono Ki Hawaiki’ which is commonly known as ‘Te Marae’ at Te Papa National Museum. Other commissioned works include installations at The Ministry of Health, The NZ Patent Office, Whitireia Polytechnic and The Commerce Commission.
He has also done book illustration for Huia Publishers and backdrop designs for New Zealand bands such as Ardijah and Southside of Bombay.
James has featured in over 20 group exhibitions including four solo exhibitions and continues to exhibit throughout the North Island of New Zealand.
He is influenced by aspects of Maori culture which include the creation stories such as ‘Te Wehenga’- the separation of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. This has been an inspiration for his latest series ‘Me hoki ki to maunga – Return to your mountain’, a reference to the land and the identity Maori have with their ancestral maunga (mountain).“The maunga is a symbolism of strength which we all have within us”
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