By Matt Valerio
When I initially noticed James Valentine’s work, an 8-panel painting hanging from the ceiling of Viento y Agua depicting some recognizable imagery from the surrounding streets, I had no idea I had stumbled on such a multi-faceted artist. I just enjoyed his depictions of things I knew from the neighborhood.
After tracking him down, I learned that James is also a talented musician. He has released albums under the name The Frankfurt Schoolgirls, inspired by girl groups from the 1960s. His songs have even been played by the likes of Rodney Bingenheimer and the respected tastemakers at the radio station WFMU.
On top of all that, he worked in the film industry for many years as a VFX artist, with some legendary projects under his belt (you know, small independent films like Tron, Titanic, and Star Wars).
Painting is what keeps him busy these days. Using acrylics, he has documented many local businesses. The old Whistle Stop, Benson’s, Egg Heaven, and even our neighborhood peacock, Pete.
A decade ago, James moved from Hollywood to Long Beach to escape the relentless traffic and heat. Initially, he painted houses he admired, often referencing Google Street View but soon realized that this approach didn’t capture the beauty he saw in person. Instead, he focused on scenes he could walk to, leading to his unique painting of 5th and Roswell, the one that initially caught my eye.
The pandemic brought unexpected kindness into James's life, reshaping his art. Initially fearful that society would abandon the elderly for economic reasons, he was heartened by the compassion of his neighbors, who began appearing in his paintings. The couple who brought him food, the woman who drove him to get his first COVID-19 vaccination and others —all found their way into his art, adding a personal and communal dimension to his work.
For James, painting is a slow, introspective process. He avoids formulaic approaches, seeking original solutions to express his unique vision. He’s more than just an artist; he's a chronicler of his community, capturing the essence of Long Beach and its people in his work.
Meeting James and seeing his work firsthand was a reminder that art is not just about technique but about the stories we tell and the connections we make. In a world of instant documentation and sharing, James's analog approach to life and art is a refreshing testament to the enduring power of personal expression and community.
See more of his work at instagram.com/jamesvalentinepaintings
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