For more than 30 years, James Norman has been constantly exploring this "thing" people call art. Sure, he tries different styles and different media, but what really drives him is finding a different perspective. In his own words, he calls himself a painter as opposed to an artist. "It's up to each person viewing my work to decide whether or not I'm an artist", he says.

To gain a different perspective, James will blend judicious amounts of composition, mood and subject. His numerous subject matter and varied style keeps is work fresh...to him and those who have followed his career.

Being entirely self-taught, he would not recommend that same path to others. However, the numerous awards and collected pieces in Paris, Austria, Japan and across the US tell a tale of diligence and recognition of work ethic far outside his North Carolina roots.

James considers himself blessed to be able to do every day what he enjoys the most. And it shows in his work. The attention to detail, the subtle story within each piece, and his choice of presentation are hallmarks of Norman's talent.
                                                    
                                          -submitted June 2001, a longtime collector of Norman originals