James Fissel

Artist Statement:
As I reflect on the influences and inspirations for my art I am always brought back to my youthful memories of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. In 1953 it was quite an event to watch on a black and white, 13 inch television. It left an indelible impression and caused me to wonder; wonder what it will be like to be in the presence of God singing … “Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His thrown …hail Him as thy matchless King thro’ all eternity.” I vividly remember, during the ceremony, the Queen held a sphere with a diamond cross on the top, and thinking how strange it was that she would be holding something so heavy. The holding of the sphere during the ceremony was an important symbol throughout the kingdom of the Queen’s sovereignty over the land. The orb/sphere during the middle ages was used as the symbol of God’s sovereignty over the world. When I began painting a few years back I started working with shapes, the circle in particular became my shape of choice. I became known as Jim the “Orb Man.” Every painting or collage has at least one orb in it.
Biography:
Jim Fissel has just recently retired from a successful career in arts ministry. Over the last 14 years he has used his talents as a musician, an artist, a curator and a musical director to weave together a unique arts program that has become a focal point for churches large and small. Jim has shown by example how innovative arts ministry can creatively enhance and enrich the life of a congregation. In the last several years he’s begun to explore the world of painting and has created a large body of work centered on his lifelong fascination with the gold sphere. To Jim, the sphere is the shape that reflects the mystery found in all that is sacred and divine. His paintings explore a vision that seeks to express the deep sense of mystery that permeates his relationship with God. Jim has become a very prolific artist whose work has grown in complexity, shape and size. Always original, Jim’s art is a constant affirmation of the creative spiritual force that drives his life.