James Bostick is photographic artist known for his figurative storytelling style of fine art photography and rich black and white infrared images featuring architectural landmarks and natural landscapes of historical importance. He works from his Gallows Hill studio in Salem Massachusetts, a location rich in historic and cultural heritage that inspire many of his themes drawing from art history, religion, and the occult. His signature studio lighting and human-centered approach results in rich compositions resembling theater productions.
Bostick’s figurative work features local people as “actors” along with props and wardrobe he creates or gathers as needed to create his scenes. His early career as a fashion photographer provided unique experience in studio lighting and working with models. Other inspirations include his dark approach to still life photography and capturing Infrared images of architectural and natural landmarks.
His signature approach using digital infrared photography, often presented on sheer metal, result in an ethereal representation of his selected environments that differentiate his work. He works from his Gallows Hill studio in Salem Massachusetts, a location rich in historic and cultural heritage that inspire many of his themes.
In his studio Bostick is also skilled at lighting control and created collections including the “Arcanum” series of figurative storytelling based on Tarot, “Metamorphosis” series of images inspired by mythological literature, and the “Obscurum” still life series featuring occult themes. His expertise with studio lighting and a human-centered approach results in detailed compositions resembling theater.
Bostick discovered his love of photography as a teenager, leading to his associate’s degree in fine art from Bucks County Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Tyler School of Art and a master’s degree from Penn State University in semiotics and art history.
He has exhibited in galleries and museums in North America and Europe including the Peabody Essex Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. He is currently planning a solo exhibition in Portugal as part of the iNstantes International Photography Festival. Honors include solo exhibitions and awards from regional galleries throughout his creative career as an artist and designer.
In addition to his fine art endeavors, Bostick holds board positions with Salem Arts Association, Salem Public Art Commission, Destination Salem, and runs Gallows Hill Artists, a studio space hosting 12 resident artists. His professional career includes design leadership roles with some of America’s largest corporations and is currently working as a Director of User Experience with Carrier Corporation.
