This month we are showcasing the work of Sierra James. Sierra will join us for a special reception during this month’s First Friday Art Walk on April 3rd and her work will be displayed at the BQC Center through the end of the month.
Sierra has been loving painting for more than 20 years. Now she has become a versatile mixed-media artist whose work spans an impressive range of mediums, including film, graphics, resin, watercolor, oils, and acrylics. Her creative process embraces diverse techniques, including collaging, graphic design, fluid art, jewelry-making, and heat torching. In recent years, Sierra has also begun exploring utilizing Adobe Firefly in her creative process. She uses it to create the initial images, which she then edits digitally and prints. Then Sierra paints on top of these images or uses them as reference photos for some of her paintings.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Sierra studied at both the University of Washington and Columbia University. Her nature-inspired works have been shown across the Pacific Northwest in Bellingham, Blaine, Lynden, Wenatchee, and Seattle - as well as in New York City and internationally in Timor-Leste.
While living in Timor-Leste for 15 years, Sierra combined her artistic passion with humanitarian work by creating an innovative arts curriculum focused on violence prevention, child protection, and gender equity, and producing an award-winning drama film series. Her groundbreaking work in Timor-Leste earned her an Ashoka Fellowship for social entrepreneurship. Sierra’s experiences in Timor-Leste continue to influence her unique artistic vision.
As a mother of three amazing girls, Sierra brings a nurturing perspective to her work. Her neurodiversity and identity as an LGBTQIA+ individual enrich her unique worldview. Throughout her career, Sierra has dedicated herself to amplifying the voices of those affected by trauma, oppression, violence, and disability. With 20 years of experience leading non-profits in both the United States and Timor-Leste, including founding her own organization, she has made a significant positive impact on enhancing equity and social protection.