Primus
Cornwall, UK
(Scrap Metal 2009)
Primus, a horse head sculpture inspired by the Parthenon horses, stands as the pivotal piece of James' artistic journey. As the first sculpture James created, it ignited his interest in sculpting and set the course for his career. Created using a combination of techniques including plasma cutting, spot welding, and MIG welding, Primus showcases James' early experimentation with metalwork. While James had always enjoyed art, primarily through painting, this sculpture marked a transformative moment. It led to numerous commissions, funding his gap year and university education, with early works focusing on horse heads, roe deer, dogs, and hares. Primus not only represents the birth of James' sculptural style but also embodies the spirit of artistic discovery that would define his evolving craft.