These two sketches were created by James in the early 2000s, both unexpected gifts, offered without ceremony. He was simply doing art, and for reasons I’ll never know, I became his subject. I don’t recall ever modeling for them, which makes their origin all the more mysterious. James was like that; generous, unpredictable, and full of surprise. I’m certain I wasn’t the only one who received such offerings.

We first met at a local bar, instantly connecting over irreverent humor and philosophical musings. James was cosmic. Otherworldly in the way he found beauty where others might not But at the same time, he was grounded, approachable, and deeply human. We became good friends and shared some of the most absurd laughs of my life.

Among his vast and unclassifiable body of work, these sketches feel uniquely practical, almost restrained. I treasure them not only as art, but as gifts from a friend who was, in many ways, like a living dream.

– Lissa Parker

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