Check Out James H. McCarthy’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to James H. McCarthy.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story leading up to a passion for art and creating unique and meaningful creations has been one of tragedy, overcoming challenges and hope. I suffered a traumatic brain injury because of a serious boating accident in May of 1994. At the time, I was coming off a Division 1 college baseball career and waiting to be drafted. The call came the night of my accident, that not only shattered my dreams of playing professional baseball, but my physical limitations also included the loss of my right eye and damage to the frontal lobe.

For years, I struggled with focus and executive dysfunction as a result of the brain injury. My journey led me to engage Bible Scriptures as a form of comfort and purpose. Turns out these scriptures became an inspiration for my drawing. Art has given me the focus, structure and intention my brain needed. I now am able to structure my time through my art which is based on “small space” (4.x6) in size which has been the needed boundary to allow me to create new ideas.

Art became a part of my routine in December of 2021. I would draw 2-3 hours a day 4 or 5 times a week. The more I drew the more fine-tuned my work became. I started giving away pieces to family and friends and was humbled by how well it was received. After hearing from folks who received one of my pieces that “I found a spot for that” on numerous occasions, I was inspired to continue to create. SpotArt has now expanded to a custom collection of original artworks. and was launched into public marketing in the Spring of 2022. I remain hopeful, optimistic and prayerful that it continues to grow into something that can be sustainable for me and inspirational to others.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Traumatic brain injury is a challenge 24/7. The biggest challenges about this injury, are the ability to formulate internal routine, organization skills and focus. It’s not that I don’t want to focus. It’s that my actual ability to stay engaged in thought strategy is consistently disrupted by my TBI (traumatic brain injury). My brain is not able to handle, filter, sort and respond. When this function is off for me, I miss time events and even worse, forget a task altogether

Truth is I’ve gone through a great recovery that no one human could really expect to survive, it’s taken me nearly 30 years to recover and understand how to redirect my focus to a more positive form of appreciation and grateful work. Art has been the key to the recovery I’ve long sought.

In addition to creating art, I’ve needed to become very purposeful about my routine. Rest, good rest, is challenging enough in life, and with TBI it is crucial for productivity and calming down the speed of my brain activity.

Also, I’ve learned that eating consistent meals is critical to my daily sense of peace. If I don’t honor this, I find myself dealing with fatigue and mood swings. Basically, any imbalance in routine, is a trigger to my well-being.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My artwork is primarily done in 4×6 size. Pen & ink. Mostly black and white but some introduction of color as my work expands. All my pieces have a connection to the Word of God and scripture. I find inspiration in many themes. All my pieces have a cross – although not always the primary focus. Other recurring symbolism includes nature (fish, stars, sun, moon, birds), hearts, infinity symbols, stairways and traffic signals.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As I am just launching on the scene as an artist, I do so with humility and look to the encouragement and counsel of others. I have been inspired by the reception to my work to date and hope that the message of my work serves to be a cause for reflection and meditation for others.

Pricing:

• Each 4×6 print sells for $15.00
• Note cards are box set of 9 selling for $20.00
• Original framed artwork varies

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jameshspotart.com
• Instagram: spot_art_by_jamesh

Image Credits
https://artofwomensy.mypixieset.com/