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Laura James
Laura James
Not Even Past, Full Piece, 2024
48 x 57 inches
Acrylics on Linen
Not Even Past, Full Piece 2024
48 x 57 inches
Acrylics on Linen
Laura James is a self-taught painter and illustrator whose work transcends boundaries between the sacred and the everyday. Born in Brooklyn and of Antiguan heritage, Laura has spent nearly three decades developing a visual language that unites vibrant storytelling with themes deeply rooted in identity, culture, and spirituality. Her art, celebrated for its fusion of Ethiopian Christian iconography with scenes from contemporary life, invites viewers to engage with both the familiar and the divine, fostering a space for introspection and connection.
Close up from Not Even Past, 2024
48 x 57 inches
Acrylics on Linen
Close up from Not Even Past, 2024
48 x 57 inches
Acrylics on Linen
Laura James is a self-taught painter and illustrator whose work transcends boundaries between the sacred and the everyday. Born in Brooklyn and of Antiguan heritage, Laura has spent nearly three decades developing a visual language that unites vibrant storytelling with themes deeply rooted in identity, culture, and spirituality. Her art, celebrated for its fusion of Ethiopian Christian iconography with scenes from contemporary life, invites viewers to engage with both the familiar and the divine, fostering a space for introspection and connection.
In her religious work, Laura often explores themes of inclusivity and universal humanity. One of her most well-known contributions is her illustrations in The Book of the Gospels, which has been used worldwide by various Christian communities since its release in 2000. Here, Laura reimagines traditional Christian iconography, infusing it with diverse representations that resonate with people across cultures. Her work in this realm reflects her belief that art has the power to bridge differences and affirm shared spiritual experiences, encouraging people to see themselves reflected within sacred stories. She is inspired by the richly symbolic and narrative tradition of Ethiopian Christian art, yet her
interpretations invite new, contemporary perspectives. Through these works, Laura cultivates a visual dialogue that speaks to the timeless desire for spiritual expression and belonging, blending history with modern identity.
Inheritance, 2024
37 x 66 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
Close up from Inheritance, 2024
37 x 66 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
Inheritance, 2024
37 x 66 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
In her religious work, Laura often explores themes of inclusivity and universal humanity. One of her most well-known contributions is her illustrations in The Book of the Gospels, which has been used worldwide by various Christian communities since its release in 2000. Here, Laura reimagines traditional Christian iconography, infusing it with diverse representations that resonate with people across cultures.
Her work in this realm reflects her belief that art has the power to bridge differences and affirm shared spiritual experiences, encouraging people to see themselves reflected within sacred stories. She is inspired by the richly symbolic and narrative tradition of Ethiopian Christian art, yet her interpretations invite new, contemporary perspectives. Through these works, Laura cultivates a visual dialogue that speaks to the timeless desire for spiritual expression and belonging, blending history with modern identity.
In her secular work, Laura’s focus often turns to themes of family, work, and womanhood. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in a community of resilient women, her “Nanny Series” explores the lives of domestic workers, depicting their strength and dedication amid the often unseen challenges they face. This series reflects Laura’s empathy for those who serve in caregiving roles, acknowledging the complexity and emotional depth inherent in their work. Through vibrant colors and expressive compositions, Laura shines a light on the dignity and spirit of these women, celebrating their essential contributions to society while challenging viewers to consider the intersections of gender, labor, and identity.
The folks at Discerning Deacons share a print of their commissioned work, Recíbanla, Receive Her, with Pope Francis on the eve of the Synod last month in Rome.
Recíbanla, Receive Her, 2022
Recíbanla, Receive Her, 2022
In her secular work, Laura’s focus often turns to themes of family, work, and womanhood. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in a community of resilient women, her “Nanny Series” explores the lives of domestic workers, depicting their strength and dedication amid the often unseen challenges they face. This series reflects Laura’s empathy for those who serve in caregiving roles, acknowledging the complexity and emotional depth inherent in their work. Through vibrant colors and expressive compositions, Laura shines a light on the dignity and spirit of these women, celebrating their essential contributions to society while challenging viewers to consider the intersections of gender, labor, and identity.
Laura also finds joy in creating art for children, where her philosophy of empowerment and self-acceptance comes to life. Her illustrated books, "Anna Carries Water" and "Boonoonoonous Hair!", both written by Olive Senior, celebrate the experiences of young Black girls, encouraging pride in their cultural heritage and unique identities. These works reveal Laura’s commitment to using art as a tool for inspiration and confidence, helping young audiences see themselves reflected in literature and art.
The folks at Discerning Deacons share a print of their commissioned work, Recíbanla, Receive Her, with Pope Francis on the eve of the Synod last month in Rome.
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
My Lady, 2013
The Sitter, 2001
The Party, 2002
In all her work, Laura’s philosophy revolves around accessibility and inclusivity. She believes in the power of art to create spaces where people feel seen and understood, regardless of their background. This commitment extends beyond her paintings; Laura is an active advocate for artists and her community. As the founder of BX200: Bronx Visual Artists Directory, she has established an online platform dedicated to showcasing Bronx-based artists, fostering visibility and support for local talent. Through BX200, Laura has organized exhibitions and workshops, using her platform to cultivate a community that celebrates artistic voices and encourages creative expression. Her commitment to community-building is a testament to her belief that art should serve as a bridge, connecting individuals and uplifting underrepresented voices.
Laura also finds joy in creating art for children, where her philosophy of empowerment and self-acceptance comes to life. Her illustrated books, "Anna Carries Water" and "Boonoonoonous Hair!", both written by Olive Senior, celebrate the experiences of young Black girls, encouraging pride in their cultural heritage and unique identities. These works reveal Laura’s commitment to using art as a tool for inspiration and confidence, helping young audiences see themselves reflected in literature and art.
Throughout her career, Laura James has championed an approach to art that prioritizes storytelling, representation, and inclusivity. Whether exploring spirituality, family, or community, her work invites viewers to find common ground, to celebrate difference, and to reflect on the universal themes that connect us all. Her artistry is a testament to her belief in art’s capacity to reveal shared humanity, to honor personal journeys, and to inspire understanding.
Third children's book, "My Mother Was A Nanny"
Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
Speaking about the book at IKONS Illustrators Conference, July, 2024
Original paintings on exhibit at the
Brooklyn Public Library, main branch
Sept 2023-Jan 2024
Third children's book, "My Mother Was A Nanny"
Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
Speaking about the book at IKONS Illustrators Conference, July, 2024
Original paintings on exhibit at the
Brooklyn Public Library, main branch
Sept 2023-Jan 2024
Third children's book, "My Mother Was A Nanny"
Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
Speaking about the book at IKONS Illustrators Conference, July, 2024
Original paintings on exhibit at the
Brooklyn Public Library, main branch
Sept 2023-Jan 2024
Third children's book, "My Mother Was A Nanny"
Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
Speaking about the book at IKONS Illustrators Conference, July, 2024
Original paintings on exhibit at the
Brooklyn Public Library, main branch
Sept 2023-Jan 2024
From "My Mother Was A Nanny" Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
From "My Mother Was A Nanny" Published by Groundwood Books, 2023
Throughout her career, Laura James has championed an approach to art that prioritizes storytelling, representation, and inclusivity. Whether exploring spirituality, family, or community, her work invites viewers to find common ground, to celebrate difference, and to reflect on the universal themes that connect us all. Her artistry is a testament to her belief in art’s capacity to reveal shared humanity, to honor personal journeys, and to inspire understanding.
Two new pieces for Tradewinds Books
next literary cookbook, Caribbean Fairy
Tale Feasts, 2025, adapted by Olive Senior
The Christian Death and Eternal Life, 2021
32 x 32 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
The Christian Death and Eternal Life, 2021
32 x 32 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
A Sermon for Our Ancestors, 2006
37 x 30.5 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
A Sermon for Our Ancestors, 2006
37 x 30.5 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
In all her work, Laura’s philosophy revolves around accessibility and inclusivity. She believes in the power of art to create spaces where people feel seen and understood, regardless of their background. This commitment extends beyond her paintings; Laura is an active advocate for artists and her community. As the founder of BX200: Bronx Visual Artists Directory, she has established an online platform dedicated to showcasing Bronx-based artists, fostering visibility and support for local talent. Through BX200, Laura has organized exhibitions and workshops, using her platform to cultivate a community that celebrates artistic voices and encourages creative expression. Her commitment to community-building is a testament to her belief that art should serve as a bridge, connecting individuals and uplifting underrepresented voices.
Two new pieces for Tradewinds Books next literary cookbook, Caribbean Fairy Tale Feasts, 2025, adapted by Olive Senior
Commissioned work for a new housing
construction, Bronx , NY, 2024
Commissioned work for a new housing
construction, Bronx , NY, 2024
Commissioned work for a new housing construction, Bronx , NY, 2024
For more information about Laura James and her work,
please get in touch with us.
For more information about Laura James and her work,
please get in touch with us.
Join our Newsletter.
Join our Newsletter.