James Bostick

James Bostick lives in Salem and has been a working photographer and designer for over 30 years. Currently working out of his rustic Gallows Hill warehouse studio, Bostick works to create his unique fine art photography including the Salem Arcanum Tarot, the "Obscurum" still life series, "InfraStructure" iconic infrared images of local landmarks, and other inspirations.

As a Teen I discovered my artistic pursuits and eventually fell in love with photography leading to a BFA degree from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, and a master’s degree from Penn State University with a focus on Art History, Semiotics, and Communication Theory. My photography interests combined with my background in art history have led to a focus on visual storytelling. My work sometimes feels like I'm making theater in my studio and capturing the scene as seen before my camera. I've directed my interest in semiotics, the study of language and symbol systems, on the pictorial language of the Tarot and embarked on a photographic journey to interpret this intertwined visual language system as a series of photographs called "The Salem Arcanum Tarot". I also love experimentation which has inspired my "Infra-Structure" series of infrared photographs celebrating history and landmarks I find to be special. Overall my creative process is built on many years of learning to see through the lens and storytelling through art.

As an artist, it's a privilege to share my ideas through fine art but I can't accomplish this without a community that prioritizes venues, galleries, public spaces filled with art, and the social gatherings that a creative community provides. Alone we struggle but as a collective, we thrive. Being part of our local creative community inspires me. I can't create in a vacuum and I find the social and collective friendships a creative community provides fosters artistic growth.

Visit SalemArcanum.com for more information about the tarot project.

Visit jbostick.com/photography to see additional examples of Bostick's photographic work.

Follow at facebook.com/SalemArcanum and instagram.com/salemarcanum