An interview with: James McCarthy
- Brandon Pestano
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
In conversation with Florida based surrealist painter @jamesmccarthyart2
"I like to paint biomorphic imagery but I wish to convey a sense of place, time and weather. I was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1956. I've spent most of my life in Florida but I have profound memories of my childhood up north, especially the seasons and the cold mystery of Winter. This is a big influence on my work. Much of my work is inspired by music as well. I attended the University of South Florida in the late 1970's and early '80's as a painting major. I also worked for my father at his commercial art studio at this time until 2001. Then I found my true direction in art and became a full time painter. I'm interested in the passing of seasons and time especially as I grow older. I'm fascinated by astronomy and physics as well. I ponder whether life's Final Door is a doorway to eternity or oblivion." - James McCarthy (website)
Read on below for the full interview...
First of all how are you and how has 2025 been for you so far?
2025 started off well with 5 painting sales to a collector friend but those were the first paintings I'd sold in over a year. Lately, I've wanted to do simple paintings that depict a fantastic place, yet I want the viewer to feel that this place is also familiar- it could be at the end of your road on the other side of the woods. Unfortunately, my health hasn't been the greatest. I suffer from insomnia so I don't have the energy I once had.
Where are you from and what do you love?
I'm originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I have a few poignant memories of the seasons I experienced there as a child. I like to paint the seasons because they represent the passing of time. I also represent the passing of time through my depictions of clinging vines and ancient ruins. Painting is the only thing in my life that really matters to me. It gives my life meaning.
What first inspired you to pursue a life of art?
I've always wanted to be an artist. My father was an artist. I worked for him for 25 years at a little commercial artist studio along with my brother. The work was unfulfilling, though. I wanted to draw and paint for myself. The studio went out of business in 2001 and that's when I began painting full time.
Where do you think your love of psychedelia stems from?
To me psychedelia and surrealism are synonymous. Psychedelic paintings are 'busier' I guess, with all kinds of odd and interesting shapes to study.
Where did the idea of utilising 'biomorphic imagery' within your work come from?
In college I started drawing spontaneous organic shapes- "biomorphism" as it is known. Years later I began incorporating biomorphic imagery into landscapes- first, in the form of colored pencil drawings in 1998 then oil paintings in 2000.
What does surrealism mean to you?
Surrealism is often characterized by spontaneous dream inspired imagery but it can be carefully planned out, too. It depends on what the artist is trying to depict. I combine both techniques. My early work was completely spontaneous. These days they are mostly planned out ahead of time.
Are there any particular books, artists, movies or musicians that you hold close to your heart?
As a teenager I loved sci-fi books and the works of JRR Tolkien. They have always influenced my work in some subtle way, at least. I listen to 'mindscape' music for inspiration-Psychedelic, New Age, Medieval, Prog Rock. some classical music, Most of my music collection is made up of long instrumental pieces where I can form landscapes and ideas in my mind. My favorite artists are classic surrealists like Max Ernst and Remedios Varo- Ernst is a particular influence on me. Most of all, Hieronymus Bosch is probably my biggest influence with his "busy' compositions and weird biomorphic forms.
What does Spirituality mean to you?
To me, spirituality is the desire to want to know what's out there- not just our physical universe but beyond. Is the final door to life a door to eternity or oblivion? I hope it's eternity. Many of my landscapes are thinly veiled depictions of Heaven.
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Follow James McCarthy via his:
Purchase his work via:
- Astral Magazine
