Artist James Stewart has found that sculpting is the only activity that can keep his attention for hours at a time. At a young age, his spare time was spent studying the movements of living things and the expressions each exuded. This curiosity has grown into a love affair with character and personality- with capturing the essence. For over 12 years Stewart has used his skills in creating characters for film and television.
 
Today, Stewart has moved into his own practice.  In his aptly named ‘Sculpture Journalist‘ series, his vision is to capture the life and culture of a locale in sculpture. James carefully researches and explores each territory before selecting the representative model. The combination of ethnicity, land, climate, and culture leave their mark on a people. I go in search of that essence. When I see him or her I can see by the way they carry themselves, it is almost like their character breathes ... a true extension of the land. When I can feel this I know they are right.

In terms of the place of Hana, Hawaii, it is a simple, majestic land where beauty is abundant and the power (mana) is deeply rooted. Hana is a place of the ages and of wisdom and yet it is constantly changing. All aspects of this needed to be accurately reflected. The combination of these aspects of Hana, Hawaii, represented through 'Hana, allow the sculpture to seem life sized even though it is just 3 feet in height.

In terms of methodology, whether working on Aslan (the lead character for 'Narnia') or 'Hana', I require the same fundamentals in sculpture. I break down form into bones and muscle. I understand the way they move, flex and stretch whether working in clay or the computer. Sculpting since I was a kid I no longer use the medium as an impediment to the form. I am one of a fortunate few who can afford to sculpt full time and have taught myself to sculpt what I feel, beyond simply knowing form.

Stewart illustrates his commitment, talents and passion in a calculated and flowing style which entwines his own energy with the soul of his model. His work over the years sculpting for films such as the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia “,” Shrek 2 “, and “Madagascar” has further developed his mastery of form and expression- the result is breathtaking.