James Stafford

Wildlife in Bronze

Growing up in rural Western Washington in the late 30's, 40's and through the 50's, afforded me ample opportunity to observe, life with and pursue the large variety of wildlife that dwelled there. Hunting, Trapping, drawing and painting local wildlife took up most of my nonworking/ school time. For many years I practiced the art of taxidermy as well. This I continued to do well into my twenties, gaining a great deal of anatomical experience in the process.

I attended Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle -1958/59. There I studied to become a commercial illustrator. Later, a summer's study in 1959 with Grant Hagen, Conrad Schwiering and Paul Bransom in Jackson Hole, Wyoming convinced me to pursue the fine art of wildlife painting. Close study of the paintings in the Jackson Lake Lodge, south of Yellowstone, by the great Carl Rungius, left an indelible impression upon me that influences my work yet today.

Artist, James Stafford at Saxman Totem Park, near Ketchikan, Alaska.

A three year stint with the U.S. Army from 1959/62 offered a two year tour of Europe. There I came into contact with and was influenced by the wonderful wildlife paintings of Bruno Liljefors and William Kuhn.

Upon returning from the service I attended and graduated from Western Washington University with B.A. in art, majoring in painting, pottery and sculpture. In 1968 I graduated from the University of Oregon with a M.F.A. in sculpture. While there I spent a great deal of time in their metal (art casting) program.

Between 1968/74 I taught 3-D art at Wenatchee Valley College, covering all areas of pottery, sculpture and jewelry making. During my stay there I designed and constructed two different foundries for bronze casting; one of these being a portable system. Casting wildlife continued to grow and flourish so I quit teaching in 1974 to pursue it full time.

In 1976 we moved back to the Chehalis area where a new home, studio and foundry were constructed. My family roots are deep here and rural atmosphere is perfect for my work. The location is excellent, as well, being about halfway between Portland and Seattle. This brings me close to supplies and air travel.

During this time I have traveled and hunted extensively all over the western U.S., Canada and Alaska. Alaska is one of my favorite places due to the tremendous variety of wild life.

Spending time in the game fields of British Columbia and Alaska has allowed me to study three species of wild sheep, probably my favorite game species. I have sculpted them many times as well as several varieties of Asian sheep. One of my burning desires is to do all of the world's wild sheep in bronze. I have been doing many African game animals lately, including Cape Buffalo, Lion and plains game. I will be concentrating on the Great Cats of the world in the near future.

My main goal is to research and sculpt as many of the worlds wildlife species as time allows. I want to afford others to observe and feel the essence of these great creatures as they freely roam their domain. As man alters and takes over more and more of this planet less room and habitat is available for many wildlife species. Perhaps Art can draw attention to this and preserve wild - free images that many people will never have the opportunity to see otherwise.