James Bender is no longer
represented online by Chief Seattle Arts.
James's
works are noted for their clean, flowing lines and
strong, simple, straightforward designs. Among his
noted works are two fifty-foot totem poles that he
carved for Victor Steinbruck Park at Seattle's
Pike Place Market.
These
two poles are among the most visible examples in
Seattle of contemporary poles in the style of
Northwest Coast Indian Art.
To the left is more detail from
one of the two totem poles that James carved for
the Pike Place Market. It's so exquisitely
designed and carved that we use it as our
navigation bar.
James
began working in Northwest Coast Indian Art in
1972 when he was earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree in art from the University of Washington.
He also studied under Duane Pasco and Bill
Holm--two legendary artists who have made huge
contributions to the revival of Northwest Coast
Indian art.
James's
interest in Northwest Coast Indian art comes from
long years of working within this highly
structured art form that ties the mythical and the
supernatural to contemporary art.
Among
the shows that have included James's work are the
Neiman Marcus traveling exhibition, the Objects
of Bright Pride exhibition, and an exhibit at
the Museum of History and Industry in Bellingham,
Washington.
James's
art can also be found in the private collections
of Duane Pasco, John Hauberg, the Safeco Insurance
Company of America, and many other collectors and
companies.
