James Hayward made his Telluride debut in July 2017 with a solo exhibition at the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, and currently curates group exhibitions. The California-based artist has been a force amongst the Post-war Minimalist Abstract Artists in the Los Angeles area for over 35 years. “Hayward’s command of paint, ranging from blissful spontaneity to profound control, separates him from artists who are lured into a signature style...He is a true independent, with his own fearless vision of the kinds of paintings he wants to make and see,” described art critic, Frances Colpitt. His works have been featured in numerous prestigious museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Denver Museum of Modern Art; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
We asked Jimmy to answer a few questions, and his answers were as delightfully colorful and textured as his paintings. We're captivated by this man and his work, and hope you will be too.
What color has the most meaning to you/your artwork?
As a young painter I would be chastised for, “Failing to control your palette.” I would tell them that I loved these weird muddy greys (made by combining opposites, like Egypt Violet and Sulphur Yellow and a little white). This is one of my favorite greys. This is a grey that is not a combination of black and white. A complicated grey. I love making greys out of 7 or 8 different colors, especially using colors like cobalt violet and cadmium yellow. Nobody, in their right mind combines these colors, so that when one does, one might reasonably deduce that this color has never been realized before, because no one is that dumb. Taking a bow.
When are you the most creative?
I love being by myself: alone without interruption. I feel free to do as I please. This is a fun place.
Dogs or cats?
I am allergic to cats. I have always had dogs and usually more than one. I wrote a short story titled, “Allergic to her cat: addicted to her pussy”. It is unfinished as the relationship remains open ended.
What would your superpower be?
I would love the ability to shit in other peoples' pants. What fun that would be.
Take a guess... what were you doing 40 years ago today?
I would have been married for the third time by then. I was madly in love on each and every occasion, but relationships are far more difficult than anyone imagines. I still believe in the specialness of marriage, but I’m now aware of the difficulties involved. Under the right circumstances, I would do it again.
The most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
That would be Sea Slugs, Jelly Fish or pussy.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be Emiliano Zapata. Did you ever see “Viva Zapata”, directed by John Houston, screen play by John Steinbeck. It is a romantic masterpiece about the duties and obligations of an idealistic hero. It’s my favorite Marlon Brando flick. Loved it. I still live the fantasy of disappearing into the mountains on horseback.
If you had the opportunity to go to Mars, would you? Why/why not?
I have no desire to go anyplace that does not have an art museum. I travel to wander thru art museums. It is one of my favorite things in life.
New Year's resolution?
I am 74 years old and slowing down. I need more help and help costs money. So I resolve to slow down sufficiently to allow success to jump my ancient bones. And I think I may get married yet again. Salute!