We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wes James a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wes, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For most of my life, I thought purpose had to come from something external—like a title, a badge, or a job description. But after years of serving as a law enforcement deputy and carrying the weight of trauma, I realized that real purpose is found when you begin to heal yourself and then help others heal through what you’ve learned.
I found my purpose the moment I picked up a paintbrush not just to create, but to survive. Art became my therapy. It gave me space to breathe, to process, and to reconnect with myself. From there, my purpose became clear: to use my creativity—whether through painting or cooking—to bring peace, beauty, and meaning into the lives of others.
That journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been honest. And now I see my purpose as helping others feel seen, comforted, and inspired through the work I create. That, to me, is a life worth living.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Art has always been a part of who I am—but it wasn’t until later in life that I truly understood its power to heal. My journey as an artist has been deeply shaped by both joy and pain, and in many ways, painting has not only become my passion—it’s been my salvation.
Before embracing life as a full-time artist, I served as a law enforcement deputy. The job demanded strength, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty. But with that came exposure to trauma and deeply difficult experiences that left lasting scars. Like many in my position, I found myself battling the quiet weight of PTSD, searching for a way to process the things I had witnessed and carried with me.
For me, that path to healing was found through fine art—and later, through culinary art as well. Both became sacred spaces where I could pour out the emotions I didn’t have words for. Instead of falling back on art, I chose to move forward with it. Creating gave me a sense of peace, purpose, and clarity that I hadn’t felt in years. It saved my life. It gave me back myself.
My painting journey began nearly 40 years ago with just oil paints and canvas—classic tools that grounded me in the fundamentals of form, color, and patience. Over time, my curiosity and need for deeper expression led me to explore a variety of other mediums. Today, I work with a mix of acrylics, oils, inlaid textures, and experimental techniques that often don’t involve brushes at all. I’ve painted on canvas, wood, and other found materials that add layers of character to each piece. Recently, I’ve started embedding lights into select works, creating a truly unique level of visual stimulation through illumination. These glowing elements add dimension and life to my art—bringing the viewer deeper into the mood and movement of each piece.
Much of my work is rooted in nature—the truest, most grounding force I know. The quiet of a star-filled night sky, the sweep of a Texas landscape, or the colors found in a still forest morning are constant sources of inspiration. These scenes show up time and again in my paintings, offering a sense of calm and connection to those who view them. I often blend elements of abstract, surrealism, and landscape together, giving my work a distinct style that’s not commonly found in traditional art spaces. Every piece I create is a reflection of my internal world and the beauty I witness in the one around me.
Over the years, my art has been featured in galleries and exhibits—honors I don’t take lightly. But what matters most to me isn’t just recognition; it’s knowing that my work touches people, tells a story, and brings light into their lives. I strive to create pieces that feel personal and alive—paintings that hold space for reflection, emotion, and healing.
Today, I continue to explore art as both expression and therapy. Whether I’m cooking for a family, painting under the stars, or simply spending time in the woods, I’m constantly learning to slow down and live with intention. My goal is to keep creating art that invites others to do the same—to pause, to feel, and maybe, to heal.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey were resilience, curiosity, and emotional honesty.
Resilience came from my time in law enforcement. Facing trauma, stress, and uncertainty taught me how to keep moving forward, even when I didn’t know what healing looked like yet. That same resilience is what carried me into art and kept me going when I felt lost.
👉 My advice? Embrace your struggles—they’re not the end of your story, they’re often the beginning of something deeper. Keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Curiosity is what kept my creativity alive. I’ve always been fascinated by different techniques, textures, mediums—even cooking. I never wanted to stay in one lane artistically. Exploring new methods and pushing boundaries helped me find my unique voice.
👉 My advice? Don’t limit yourself to one style, one material, or one idea of what art “should” be. Play. Explore. Get messy. You’ll find yourself in that process.
Emotional honesty has been the heart of my work. Once I stopped trying to paint what looked impressive and started painting what felt real, that’s when everything changed. People connect with truth—even if it’s raw.
👉 My advice? Don’t be afraid to paint from your pain or your joy. Authenticity will always outshine perfection.
Whether you’re just starting or redefining your path, remember that your journey is your message. Let it shape you, and then use it to shape your art.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is financial. Pursuing my art and cooking full time has been incredibly fulfilling, but it hasn’t always been financially stable—especially when it comes to providing for my family and covering our monthly bills. That’s been a tough reality to navigate.
Like many creatives, I’ve had to balance passion with practicality. I’ve poured my heart into my work, but the income hasn’t always kept pace with the effort. It’s humbling—and honestly, it’s hard not to feel discouraged sometimes. But I also see this struggle as part of the process. It’s forcing me to think creatively not just on the canvas or in the kitchen, but in how I build a sustainable business around my skills.
To overcome this challenge, I’ve been working on expanding the ways I share my work—offering commissioned art, custom in-home chef services, meal prep, and even hosting events that blend food and art. I’ve also started building stronger relationships in my community and online, networking with people who believe in what I do and want to support it.
Most importantly, I try to keep my focus on why I started this journey in the first place: healing, connection, and purpose. I believe the financial stability will come in time, as long as I stay consistent, open-minded, and willing to evolve.
So while this chapter has its challenges, I’m not backing down. I’m building something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my family—and I know it’s worth fighting for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wes_james_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orignalartbywesjames
- Other: TikTok: @the.wes.james
Image Credits
I own all the rights to the images I used.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
