James
Telford
James Telford is a visual artist and the general manager of East London’s famous gay bar, drag destination and nightclub, The Glory. While The Glory has been closed, James has taken the time to reawaken and evolve his art practice in quarantine. Moving beyond his usual oil on canvas medium, James is exploring more accessible resources. And the results have been inspiring—expressive works that reflect his honest anxieties and emotions during this challenging time.
Finding new mediums of expression
Artist, GM at The Glory
Above
James poses with Virgin
Extravaganza at The Glory
Tell us a bit about yourself
21 MAY 2020 My name is James Telford and I'm originally from Hertfordshire. I've been living and working in East London for the past 9 years. I received my degree in Fine Art from Cardiff Metropolitan University and I mainly paint with oil on canvas. I am also the general manager of a vibrant LGBTQ+ venue called The Glory, which I miss dearly.
Above
James stands next to two originals
Oil on canvas
How have the last few weeks or months shaped or impacted your practice?
The Glory closed its doors a little earlier than the official lockdown announcement for the safety of our staff. It's been a really tough experience not knowing when we will open our doors again. We have been doing things outside the wall of The Glory such as Glory TV, which can be viewed on our Glory Facebook page. We will open again and cannot wait for that time to approach.
I have used recent times as an opportunity to start my practice again. While I used to mainly use oils on canvas, I have been restricted to a much smaller scale with easy-to-find resources such as pen and collage materials.
Lockdown welcomes new issues such as living in a very confined space. This has definitely increased my anxiety, which I think is reflected in my current work. Using rapid marks of line, which is displayed throughout my drawings.
It's been a great challenge in this climate, so references are now becoming more internal. Not visiting galleries means relying on memory and reflection. It has heightened my imagination and brings out a more playful aspect to my compositions.
Above
A recent piece created
during quarantine
Above
James’ working space with
collage materials, pen and ink
Above
A recent piece created
during quarantine
How are you coping at home?
Like most people I'm just learning to cope with this environment and use this opportunity to focus my work. I have become much more productive recently. I would say the best tip is to keep busy, get up early and produce—it keeps the mind healthy.
Above
James’ working space with
collage materials, pen and ink
God, I miss the messy nightlife.”
Above
A recent piece created
during quarantine
Above
A recent piece created
during quarantine
What has inspired you recently?
I instantly think of the LGBTQ+ community. I have been surprised how friends, most of whom are self-employed, are taking their work online and using this platform even more so to get their ideas and performances out to the community.
What are you looking forward to?
I am very much looking forward to getting back to my venue and seeing my fab friends. East London has a massive hub of artists, performers and DJ’s. I want to jump right back in! God I miss the messy nightlife.
Above
The cast of a performance
at The Glory
How can people support you?
My Instagram is a great way to contact me: @jatelford and also my email: james@theglory.co
Watch Glory TV, which can be viewed on our Facebook page.
Above
James and his
coworkers