About James Stanford

American multidisciplinary artist James Stanford, a native of Las Vegas, transforms his photographs of the city's mid-century neon signage and architectural elements into mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He composes his art digitally, starting with photography and spinning the images through an intricate and unique process. The process of multiple layers is what makes Stanford's signature kaleidoscopic designs so visually deep and appealing. Stunning colors and patterns immediately immerse the viewer with new meditative realms. The meditative spirit that is encountered when gazing into Stanford's art is reflective of his own practice in Zen Buddhism. Stanford exhibits his Shimmering Zen (hyperlink, please) series internationally and designs site-specific commissions that represent the bold and creative imagination inspired by his dazzling oasis found in the Mojave Desert. Shimmering Zen serves as a portal into Stanford's prolific artistry and elegance. New works of art are continually added to this spectacular survey.

Stanford is a co-founder of the downtown Arts District during his tenure with the Las Vegas Arts Commission. In the mid-1990s, he created the first commercial art gallery, Smallworks Gallery, in the area whereby he exhibited such artists as Herbert Bayer, Andy Warhol and Barbara Kasten. In 2006, he established Smallworks Press, an award-winning independent press specializing in arts and culture trade titles and limited editions. A philanthropist at heart, he created Angels4Nevada in 2021 to support Nevada nonprofits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 25% of all sales through his website will be donated to a designated non-profit throughout the year.