James Cobb
Brass Teapot, Persimmons and Poppies by James Cobb
James Cobb's passion for exploration and learning has shaped his journey as an artist. Before James was a painter, he was a medical surgeon. He studied accounting at the University of Oklahoma but switched to pre-med his senior year. After completing medical school in Oklahoma, James attended the University of California for general surgery residency. James returned to Oklahoma to set up an ear, nose, and throat practice in Norman, which he successfully managed for 30 years. "I loved doing everything in my medical career, but I decided cold turkey to stop being a physician and pursue art at 55. As a surgeon, you can't go half-time, and I was ready for something new," says James.
Art was not a significant part of James' childhood. Coincidentally, it was when he fell in love that James fell in love with art. His girlfriend and then-wife introduced him to the arts. She studied art appreciation at an all-female school in Washington, D.C., and took James to several museums and exhibitions. "Some people are hooked on golf, and I got hooked on art and painting. Twenty-five years after finishing med school, I was painting every week," says James. James began studying figure and life drawing in Oklahoma City. His extensive experience working as a surgeon gave James a unique perspective and understanding of the various nuances of the human form. His incredible discipline and passion for painting made it easy for him to befriend artists who encouraged his creative talents and offered advice towards pursuing refining his skills. "I was hanging out with an accomplished artist in our town. He told me to take workshops from artists I appreciated," explains James. He took lessons with several instructors from the Chicago Art Institute and the NY Art Students League. James enjoyed the freedom of choice by studying art independently instead of enrolling at university because he could focus his time on professors who sparked his interest.
After a long medical career, James embraced the abstract challenges of the creative process. "The beauty of it is that while you have an endpoint to each painting, there is an incredible challenge, so you will never stop learning or reaching for different outcomes. Not to say medicine is black and white, but once you learn it, it is similar. Art offers something more of an infinite learning curve," says James. He explores different subjects and painting styles, focusing on the aesthetic journey rather than abstract symbolism. "My art does not tell a story. It is more of what my eyes are seeing. The creative process is about discovery for me more than communicating a specific meaning," explains James. In his artistic experimentation, James has taken inspiration from many different muses and processes. He cites artists such as John Singer Sargent as creative heroes but tries to avoid following a consistent blueprint in his work. 'My heroes have come and gone. You think they have a process and try figuring it out. Most art teachers warn you to avoid formulas, so I aim to approach my subject and work differently daily," says James.
James partnered with 1515 Lincoln Gallery because of Susan's holistic art approach and passion for promoting Oklahoma City artists. Her interest in building community and promoting Oklahoma as an art destination inspired him. "She wants to bring art to Oklahoma City and bring Oklahoma City art to the world. Susan is interested in our stories as artists and connecting us so we can support each other's creative pursuits and experiences," says James. James Cobb's story as an artist is ongoing, and he is looking forward to more painting, teaching, and, as always, more exploration. You can view James' artwork in his new exhibition, Landscapes and Still-Life, at 1515 Lincoln Gallery beginning Thursday, September 28th, through Saturday, November 4th.
