Shimmering Zen : Inspired By The Neon Lights of Las Vegas

American multidisciplinary artist James Stanford, a native of Las Vegas, transforms his photographs of the city's mid-century neon signage and architectural elements into mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He composes his art digitally, starting with photography and spinning the images through an intricate and unique process. The process of multiple layers is what makes Stanford's signature kaleidoscopic designs so visually deep and appealing. Stunning colors and patterns immediately immerse the viewer with new meditative realms. The meditative spirit that is encountered when gazing into Stanford's art is reflective of his own practice in Zen Buddhism. Stanford exhibits "Shimmering Zen" internationally and designs site-specific commissions that represent the bold and creative imagination inspired by his dazzling oasis found in the Mojave Desert. __Shimmering Zen__ serves as a portal into Stanford's prolific artistry and elegance. New works of art are included in this spectacular survey. Essays include the artist's insights on Mutual Causality, Zen Buddhism, and Contemporary Art. Additional essay contributions by published art historians Jeff Rosen and Rosa JH Berland. Artist interview by Laura Henkel, a published curator, photographer, and writer. Book design by award-winning UK designer Philip Lewis of Lewis Hallam Design. Books are printed at Verona Libri in Verona, Italy, where special inks have been formulated to match the palette of the artist flawlessly, recreating the vibrant colors of the original works of art, and faithfully recreating them on each page. James Standford's Shimmering Zen: Inspired by the Neon Lights of Vegas is the long-awaited continuation of Shimmering Zen designed by Philip Lewis as both a trade and limited edition. Stanford photographs the mid-century neon signage and architectural elements of his hometown to create mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He has earned an international reputation for an innovative and diverse oeuvre founded on the values of artistic experimentation and meditative practice. Working inventively in a wide range of media and genres, Stanford is celebrated today for his pictorial orchestrations drawing primarily upon the iconic vintage signage of Las Vegas. The book includes essays concerning craft, technique, photography, digital arts, development of portfolio, the artist's journey, Zen Buddhism, influences of modern technology and practice, and the power of place. The book includes more than 150 of Stanford's original works created over the past 20 years, as well as a foreword by Jeff Rosen, an essay by Rosa JH Berland, and an author interview by Laura Henkel. Front Cover Title Page Contents Foreword—Jeff Rosen Acknowledgements Standford Redacted—Laura Henkel in Conversation With James Stanford Indra's Jewels—Photomontages by James Stanford Index of Words Afterword James Stanford's Shimmering Zen—Rosa JH Berland Copyright Back Cover