Jim Potter
Jim Potter was raised on a 160 acre farm in Idaho where he demonstrated a love of art at an early age by drawing on the woodwork of his parents’ farmhouse home, an endeavor that earned him disciplinary measures.
He went on to study at the University of Idaho, where he earned a degree in art and English. He also studied drawing, painting, ceramics, calligraphy, book making, and art history at Boise State University, Portland State University, and Lewis and Clark College. For thirty-six years he taught both art and English in the public schools of Idaho and Oregon, retiring in 2011. For the past thirty-seven years he has resided in Vancouver Washington.
“I paint things that are both visually and emotionally appealing to me, which often means things that others might not consider as subject matter.
Certain subjects just beckon for my attention, as if to say, “Come over here and take a closer look at me.”
I am particularly drawn to structures and machinery of bygone days on which time has taken its toll, or desolate landscapes that evoke a certain mood of quietude.
Recently, my work has taken a new direction, as I discovered water-mixable oils, along with the challenges and rewards they offer.
I have also discovered that I can say everything I need to say in a painting with a very limited palette, often using only tonal variations of one color. My studio is a purpose-built shed in my backyard, which suits me just fine.
On the farm where I grew up in Idaho we had cattle, chickens, and cats and dogs. There was a modest house, a big barn, a chicken house, and assorted out buildings. Our small town had a schoolhouse, two red-brick grocery stores, a post office, a couple of service stations, and, of course, a tavern and cafe.
There was a highway running through town and an iconic working grain elevator. You can probably see the influence of all of those things in my work.
My mother bought my first set of oil paints for me when I was in elementary school and we mail ordered a Jon Gnagy Learn to Draw set. You can Google it. I spent hours practicing my skills and loved any art tips and books that my teachers gave me.
One thing that stands out most in my memory is the time, as a boy, when I showed some of my drawings to an old farmer neighbor of ours. After looking them over, he said to me, “We'll, I reckon it's easier to make a living with a pencil than with a shovel.” With that one comment, he unknowingly influenced the career path that I chose.”
If you took the time to read all of this, thank you! - Jim Potter
