James Shipley

“Sight is the function of the eyes. Vision is the function of the heart,” shares graffiti-grunge artist James Shipley. He creates pen and ink abstracts using cardboard as his canvas of choice. “I love the feeling of texture and depth.”

Born in St. Jo but growing up in Reeds Spring, Missouri, Shipley’s passion for art is clear. A rare stroke of an optic nerve blinded the artist in his right eye three years ago. Depression would inspire him. “I chose the colors of love.”