Bio

JAMES BASSFIELD grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where his lifelong passion for art first took root.  From a young age, he immersed himself in the world of drawing and painting, teaching himself to master an impressive range of mediums including pencil, watercolor, oil, and acrylics.  Though he pursued a degree in electronics at Hampton University and later enjoyed a fulfilling 30-year career at IBM, James never strayed far from his artistic calling.

In 1991, his talent reached a notable milestone when he was commissioned to create a pencil portrait of then-governor L. Douglas Wilder.  The portrait was prominently featured on more than 3,000 invitations for the B'nai B'rith International Great American Traditions Award ceremony and personally presented to the governor.

In 2002, James took another bold step in his artistic journey by co-founding the CROSSROADS ART CENTER in Richmond, Virginia, alongside Jennifer Kirby.  The center quickly became a vibrant hub for regional artists - a space where creativity could flourish, collaborations could thrive, and emerging talent could find a platform.  Though James officially retired in 2010, his dedication to the arts never waned.  He continues to paint from his private studio, channeling the same passion that first inspired him as a young boy.  Meanwhile, Jenni carries the torch forward as the center's owner, expanding its legacy and nurturing the artistic community that she and James helped build from the ground up all those years ago.

Today, James continues to accept commissions of all sizes, creating deeply personal works for clients across the country.  His pieces grace private collections throughout the United States, each one reflecting the dedication and depth of a self-taught artist who never stopped creating.