LaSalle Artist Roy James Showcases ‘Solitary Man’ Exhibition

LaSalle artist Roy James presented his evocative solo exhibition, The Solitary Man, at the Common Ground Art Gallery located in Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre from November 6 to 22, 2023. The opening reception, held on November 9, attracted a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in James’s unique fusion of visual art and poetry. This event emerged as a significant highlight in the local arts calendar.

Inspired by his own poem titled “Solitary Man,” James showcased a collection of twenty paintings that depict various moments in the life of a solitary individual. Many of these works were created during the pandemic lockdown, reflecting the artist’s personal journey. The poem’s final message—“search for identity”—resonated throughout the exhibition, mirroring James’s experiences as both a painter and poet. A standout piece, Solitary Man #2 & His Cat, features an acrylic canvas portraying the imposing skyscrapers of a modern city.

James, aged 84, expressed his feelings about the urban landscape, stating, “The concrete, glass, and steel is very dehumanizing, and I was overwhelmed by it.” His background as an art educator for 19 years in Windsor and Essex County schools informs his artistic approach, which leans toward abstraction. Influences include renowned figures such as Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The cityscapes captured in The Solitary Man particularly resonated with Toni Wells, a board member of the Arts Society of Kingsville. Wells, also an artist, praised James’s distinctive perspectives and elongated forms of buildings, highlighting his “love of geometry.” James, who has also taught math and science, integrates this passion into his artwork. This can be seen in his piece Solitary Man with Cat and Dandelion, which features an abstract cityscape adorned with a dandelion in the lower left corner.

For James, the dandelion symbolizes resilience and serves as a reminder of its culinary uses, from salads to wine. Additionally, the dandelion represents his three sons—Christopher, Jason, and Glendon—who attended the opening. “They are all in this picture because they are an extension of me,” he remarked.

Another poignant presence in the exhibition is Boots, James’s late tabby cat, who appears in four different paintings. The inspiration for these works came from sketches James made while mourning the loss of his second wife. “This little fellow, I call him a colleague, a partner,” James shared. His drawing My Consoling Friend with Boots the Cat showcases intricate hatching and shading techniques, reflecting themes of grief and companionship.

Adjacent to these pieces hung Tears of Glass, an abstract work featuring shards of glass affixed to the canvas. The accompanying poem, also penned by James, addresses pressing environmental concerns, emphasizing humanity’s dependence on nature. “Sometimes the poem inspires the art, and sometimes the visuals inspire the poetry,” James explained.

His performances often bring his poetry to life, drawing on his teaching experience to deliver readings that emphasize voice and pacing. Many of his poems have been included in various anthologies. A playful aspect of his work is evident in Vodka Coffee: Solitary Man at His Window Snowed-In, which was featured on an anthology cover. This whimsical piece depicts James pouring vodka into his coffee while still in his pajamas, a scene inspired by his admiration for comic books such as Batman and Superman. “Art doesn’t have to be somber. Art should be fun,” he stated.

Despite the playful elements, James’s work also delves into themes of loss and memory. The painting Whirlwind, inspired by a poem from his late friend Joe Patterson, presents a surreal blue and violet seascape that captures the emotional turbulence associated with grief and remembrance.

Over his career, James has experimented with various mediums, including wax pencils and acrylics. After retiring, he became a docent at the Art Gallery of Windsor, where he continued to share his passion for art through guided tours for students.

The exhibition culminates with I Am the Solitary Man: Self-Portrait on Abstract Background. James explained, “I wasn’t interested in photo-realism for my self-portrait,” opting instead for an expressive and abstract style that defies easy categorization. Wells, who also curates for the Arts Society of Kingsville, commended James’s ability to blend fine art techniques with an illustrative sensibility. “First you learn the rules,” she noted, “then you learn how to break them.”