James Paterson

Bio:

I am an artist and writer who has spent my life creating and implementing ideas originating deep within my heart and imagination. My wire creations, known as Prayer Machines and Engines of Joy emerge deep from within childhood experiences growing up in the culturally vibrant and visually textured Kensington Market neighborhood in Toronto. These whimsical wire machine-like objects evolved during a 3-year sojourn in Europe. They seek to bring joy and delight through their swirling shapes, vibrant colours and moving parts, while giving expression to the mystery.

My wire sculptures have won numerous awards and received mainstream media coverage. My Prayer Machines and Engines of Joy have been found at top exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. The wire creations are in private collections throughout Europe, Asia and across North America. Large signature pieces have been commissioned for The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada), The University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center (Cleveland, Ohio), the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital (Palo Alto, California) and U of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON).

My picture book Saturday Morning is inspired by the Storytelling Machine, a large, colourful, interactive wire sculpture I created that tells the story of two brothers and their Saturday morning adventures.

Below are some examples of my work. Click on the image to see the full image: