Artist Statement
Jim Draper’s work, which includes drawing, painting, photography, video and writing, is informed by journeys into the wilds of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Drawing primarily from the philosophy of radical naturalism, Draper gets inspiration from myriad sources beyond nature in the form of conservationists, naturalists, and other artists who are known as experts at observation of the natural world.
Biography
Jim Draper grew up in Kosciusko, Mississippi, the geographical center of the state. He attended the University of Mississippi where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1974 and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia at Athens in 1978. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Draper has taught drawing and painting at Florida State College at Jacksonville, Flagler College in St. Augustine, and as a faculty member and Galleries Coordinator for the University of North Florida. He is currently retired from teaching and works full-time in the studio.