The unique artworks of J.R. Corkrum now hang in thousands of homes and offices around the world. His phenomenal success as an artist and photographer has also led to his works being shown in prominent galleries around the west coast, including his own new gallery in Ephrata, WA. The majority of his works are the direct result of his travels around the world. But, many of his works go beyond the bounds of ordinary photography and into the world of expressionism and digital painting. While he resists having his own picture taken, he does like this photo taken when he arrived at Rome's Ciampino Airport in March 2003. Says Jim, "It captures me at one of the happiest moments of my life: arriving at one of the far off places in the world that I truly love." You can easily see that love in his photos and digital paintings. Jim is a native Californian, and now lives in Ephrata, WA, a small town of 5,700 people in Central Washington. He left the madness of California in 1992 to recapture a better life in a small town. Says Jim, "In Ephrata, life moves at a slower, less hectic pace and you can walk anywhere instead of driving." He has led an interesting and varied life, from working as a grocery clerk to political consulting with some of the most famous politicians of our time. Jim is a long time computer expert, having run his own computer consultancy business as well as working for larger companies in the field. He pioneered the use of computers in political campaigns in California and helped bring fiber optic technology to people's homes and businesses in Grant County, WA. As an author, he wrote hundreds of political direct mail pieces, radio and TV commercials and several published articles. He is now a full time artist. He first took up photography in college as part of his journalism major. After taking several classes, he eventually wound up as a student teacher. He has also taught as an instructor at the college level. A few early pieces of work his college days reveal how his gift has matured over the years. " I have always had a good eye for composition. Even though I didn't do much with photography for some years, it all came back to me when I seriously took up photography again in the 90's. Computers really opened the doors of imagination and creativity for making beautiful photos and digital paintings." All of Jim's works begin with a photographed image, either digital or from film. Images on film are scanned into a computer and remain as photographs, or become digital sketches or digital paintings. Much of the work is done by hand with a "digital paintbrush." Final prints are done on paper or canvas (limited editions), all in Jim's studio. Many of his customers request Jim to create unique paintings from their own photographs, which he does on a commission basis. To read more about his technique, go to: http://www.corkrum.com/jim/techniques.htm According to Jim, "My artwork is a reflection of my own private world. This means that like all genuine art, it needs only to be true to itself." We hope you enjoy his work.