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July 14, 2002
Art Review : ArtLine Magazine
James Picard: Off the Canvas
by Christopher Bennett
It can be said that James Picard is a passionate artist who has a fierce determination when it comes to his artwork. He is prolific, gifted in many mediums and definitely an anomaly. He creates everyday, pushing himself, working on as many as fifteen or twenty paintings concurrently. From the delicate precision of his drawings, which give a clear indication of the great command he has of his craft, to his large oil canvases, James has completely devoted his life to creating. He believes in discipline with free floating thought and has been described as a genius. He refers to many contemporary artists as 'hacks', yet has spent countless hours teaching and volunteering with upcoming artists and children. He has shown his work in over fifty exhibitions across North America and Europe and has captured awards in a number of competitions, though none in his own country, something this documentary may help to rectify.
James Picard has the ability to touch people with what he does. People respond positively or negatively to his work, but they do respond. The documentary "Off The Canvas", filmed by Chris Hooper, captures that response. Patrons, collectors, peers and acquaintances all share the impact that Picard has left upon them.
Picard himself also shares various insights into his passion, struggles and triumphs and of course allows us to see his art which he has said is to him, life itself.
To quote James, "To create is to breathe. When I stop creating, I stop existing."