Artist and fellow Illustrator, James Christensen passed away Sunday at the age of 74 after a decade long struggle with bladder cancer. He leaves behind a Wife and five children, many of whom carry on his artistic legacy in their own right.
James was not only an inspiration to many illustrators, but a mentor as well. Having taught for decades at BYU in Utah, many of today’s Illustrators were set on their current paths thanks his tutelage and support.
He will be greatly missed.
“I feel very strongly that you do art because you can’t be happy doing anything else; you can’t not do art. It’s the desire, the fire in the belly, the way your brain is wired.”Â
– James Christensen
This is very sad to hear. Voyage of the Basset was one my favorite books as a child, you can get lost for hours in those illustrations.
Extremely sad news. Besides being a superb artist—remember his early covers for Timescape Books?—he was a mentor to many and an inspiration to all who knew him.
I wasn't familiar with the man or his work until this moment, but having seen it, I'm quite struck by it. Beautiful indeed. I'm most sincerely sorry to his family and friends for his passing. May God's peace be with you all.
Thanks for posting this Muddy Colors. He was a giant in my life.
He was a very kind man and an amazing artist. A definite hero of mine, in art and in life.
I always loved his work. I still think about those “bird hammers” he used to paint… so silly. And we need more silly in this world.
Beautiful work.
Thanks for this post. A true creative giant who will be missed!
Thanks a lot for this post.
I never found the name of these arts but now, sadly, I know it.
Thank you.
I was lucky enough to study with Jim and call him my friend. This has hit me harder than I expected. A huge loss.