James Fissel

Artist Statement:: As I reflect on the influence and inspiration for my art I am brought back to a significant memory. It was quite an event, in 1953, for a young boy from central Pennsylvania to watch on a black and white, 13 inch television, one of the most colorful and important events of the 20th century—the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. I keenly remember during the ceremony in Westminster Abbey, the Queen held a blue sapphire orb with a diamond studded cross on top—this being the symbol of the Queen's sovereignty over land. The orb/sphere during the middle ages was used as the symbol of God's sovereignty over the world. This event and the orb left an indelible impression and caused me to wonder about the symbols and icons used to represent the mysteries of life.

I use the orb as an iconic artistic tool expressing my relationship with the creative spirit, the mystery of life and all the dimensions in the world that exist but cannot be seen.

North Adams Open Studios -