James Stanford's commendation video transcript

James Stanford

PROFESSOR KEITH MCLAY: Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Lord Lieutenant, Honoured guests, Graduands of 2024, and all our guests here today. It gives me great pleasure to present James Stanford for the award of Honorary Doctor of the University.

[Applause]

There's a little bit more! So I'll proceed.

James Stanford is an American contemporary artist from Las Vegas. He is best known for his contemporary artwork using digital image and lenticular technology to create kaleidoscopic photomontages inspired by Las Vegas' iconic neon signs.

James studied painting at the University of Washington and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has since taught at both universities, established his own gallery, the Small Works Gallery, and curated exhibitions at various venues around the world.

James has been called an 'alchemist' because of his extraordinary capacity to simplify the visual language of Las Vegas. From complex digital photomontages to light installations and large scale mural projects, James's portfolio illustrates a lifelong connection with Las Vegas, its cultural heritage and rich landscape. His work transforms views of reality into imagined realms. Drawing on his own belief in Buddhism, his digital montages can be viewed as modern mandalas.

James is a celebrated leader in the development of the Las Vegas arts community. During his tenure as Las Vegas Arts Commissioner, he developed 'Lightscapes', a programme that has been recognised by Art in America as one of the top 20 public art projects of the era. In 2023, he was inducted into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts.

In 2021, James connected with the University of Derby through the irrepressible Dr Gemma Marmalade during her research engagement with the Las Vegas creative community. This ignited a powerful creative alliance which goes from strength to strength. James is now a patron to the University of Derby School of Art International Workshop to Nevada, an annual fully funded opportunity for our students from multiple creative disciplines to live and work in Nevada for a month.

James is also a regular supporter of Derby's Format International Photography Festival, the UK's largest photography festival. His most recent book, 'The Atomic Kid', is due for release in September 2024 and in 2025 James returns to Derby for his solo exhibition 'Invisible Cities' at the Museum of Making. The wonderful images displayed on the screens today are pieces from this exhibition, created from photographs taken at various locations in Derby.

Joining James today to celebrate his impressive achievements are friends and colleagues Jane, Elisha-Mai, Melissa, Philip and Gemma.

Chancellor, in recognition of his international profile as a seminal visual artist, his advocacy and his support for the students at the University of Derby, we are delighted to award James Stanford the honorary degree of Doctor of the University.

JAMES STANFORD: See if I can get this speech open here.

Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Lord-Lieutenant and honoured guests, Graduands of 2024, and all our guests here today. Thank you for this wonderful honour.

I especially want to give thanks to Dr Gemma Marmalade, who is a force of nature. She's an inspirational leader who inspired me to sponsor the Derby School of Arts annual student visit to Las Vegas. I've now welcomed over 30 students to work, exhibit and celebrate in my studio gallery in downtown Las Vegas. I enjoyed meeting and talking to each and every student, often sharing advice about how to launch a career in the arts. I look forward to continuing a true exchange programme with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Derby.

What a great opportunity for learning this relationship will bring to both universities.

Thanks to Lynn, my dearly departed wife who is watching over me now. She shares in this honour. Without her, none of this would have happened. So thank you, Lynn, I know you're here with me.

I'm also honoured by this honorary doctorate degree. And, it means the world to me. What a wonderful accolade to be recognised in this way. It's the highest honour that I could hope for.

Congratulations to all of you who have earned degrees today. Good luck to all of you who are starting off with a career in the arts. I have some advice for you, which is tempered by 50 years as an artist. Don't try to fit into any modern art movement that you think might make you instantly popular. In my 50 years of practice, I've never seen that approach work for anyone. It's a waste of time.

Find something to explore that will encourage you to go into your studio and, and practice. Each of us has a unique viewpoint. So trust in your own numinous nature. You must listen to your true interests and set a realistic goal for your practice.

If you find yourself avoiding your studio, it may mean that you're on the wrong track. Find something to explore that draws you into the studio each and every day. Do not concern yourself with rewards. If you work diligently at your craft, the rewards will surely come. The secret to success, to a successful art career, is carrying on no matter what. In the face of discouraging events or amidst the joy of encouraging events, just do your work. Doing the daily work is the secret to success.

Good luck in all your future endeavours. And again, thank you so much for this wonderful honour.

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