Commission & Purchasing:
For information on commissions, or purchases, please click here.
|
|
Projects
 |
In 1972, James P. Bender graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts.
After developing an interest in Native Coast Art Forms, he apprenticed under Bill Holm and Duane Pasco. Mr. Pasco and Mr. Holm are leading contributors in the resurgence of Northwest Indian Art.
Today, Mr. Bender passes this tradition along by instructing new artists, and in expanding his own body of work. Here, you will find a sampling of Mr. Bender's Masks, Bowls, Jewelry, Totems, and other subjects in a variety of mediums which James has worked in over the years. If you have questions, or comments, please feel free to contact Mr. Bender directly with questions or comments.
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
City of Seattle Public Arts Commission project at Seattle's Pike Place Public Market located in Victor Steinbrueck Park. This project was created in collaboration with Victor Steinbrueck and Richard Haag, who are both prominent Seattle area architects. |
 |
| |
Read more: Pike Place Public Market
|
|
|
A man and a woman, husband and wife, brother and sister, these are personages that we can all relate to, and all hold common in our past. They are Pioneers, Our Ancestors, and common to all family histories.
These two figures, standing back to back, represent all the people of our lineage dating back past the furthest of our shadowed memory as individuals, and as civilizations. They exist in history, and in our imaginations.
I call them Folk Figures…
|
|
| |
Read more: Folk Figures
|
|
|
The cabinet door is faced with a large, round, cedar panel which is carved with the major figures in the world of fishes. These include all the different species of salmon, plankton or kelp, phytoplankton or algae, and even the water itself.
This cedar panel is mounted on large Maple cabinet doors which house the whiteboard.
|
|
| |
Read more: Ichthyology Lodge
|
|
|
This commission was inspired to decorate the walls and entryway of a private residence undergoing a major remodel. The species of wood was new to me but I took to it right away as I began my design and carving work. |
|
| |
Read more: Carved Decoration in The Sunroom
|
|
 |
This project was a private commission for two pieces of custom furniture. The client provided reference images of similar thematic designs which I used for inspiration of this work. This was a departure from Northwest Coast design. |
 |
| |
Read more: Mermaid Project
|
|
 |
This was another private commission which also reflects a departure to a more whimsical or semi-realistic style. The column was created in 2 halves in order to disguise structural steel elements in the architecture.
|
 |
| |
Read more: Story Colums
|
|
|
…I have created several pieces for this unique environmental learning center over the years. These pieces, which include several carved wood fireplace mantels, signage for the school, and the cabinet for the Ichthyology Lodge, reflect both the school's, and my philosophy. |
|
| |
Read more: IslandWood – A School in the Woods
|
|
|
