After three successful decades in architecture and design, James Bourret found his way back to his first artistic love: photography. Having explored the world through a camera lens in high school and college, shifting back again has been a natural transition. James believes his formal design training now influences and enhances his skills as a photographer. Using his ability to think three-dimensionally, he composes vibrant, powerful images that masterfully play with the concepts of depth and space.
His return to photography began 12 years ago when he opened Mountain Images Gallery in Ketchum, Idaho. Over time, his art has evolved from pieces that complemented interior spaces to works of a size and scope that are the focal point of a room rather than a beautiful accent. Today, James is known for making immersive large-scale triptych pieces that still maintain the integrity of the original image’s fine detail. A typical print measures 5.5ft x 10ft, with some of his largest pieces reaching 7ft x 16ft. His images are made using only photographic techniques and the highest quality archival printing methods and materials.
With a deep reverence for the natural world and driving desire to preserve it, James hopes to draw more people to nature through his large-scale, immersive photography. “I grew up with a lot of exposure to the outdoors, lots of hiking and backpacking,” says James. “Part of my motivation comes from wanting to share with others the beauty I have found through those experiences. Every new place is an inspiration, and it’s the joy of finding something new that really drives me.”
His work often depicts Aspen forests—quintessential mountain west scenery—but with textures and layered patterns, the images take on an abstract quality not usually associated with traditional landscapes. Portraying the truth and emotion of the landscape that he felt at the time of the exposure is a crucial element in James’s process. Through meticulous work to the image prior to its printing, he strives to reflect the mood, form, patterns, and colors of a scene.
“My photography is heavily influenced by my travels, but I think my most successful pieces aren’t defined by a specific physical location,” says James. “Rather I want to convey abstract elements such as emotional impact and a sense of movement and change. The photos are more about creating depth than they are about the trees themselves as objects. I try to capture interesting spaces and invite the viewer to move into them.”
Not only is James’ background in architecture a valuable asset when it comes to photo composition, but he believes it gives him a greater understanding of the way art works within designed interior settings. He is exceptionally skilled at producing ultra-large, fine art photo installations for any environment. Most of his triptychs are printed on canvas and hung without a frame to accommodate their scale and eliminate any competition from glass or reflections.
