James Douglas

James 'Zen' Douglas is a mixed media artist with a unique approach to art, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature and industrial elements. His work involves welding, carpentry, and design, creating sculptures from repurposed objects like driftwood and metal.

Based in the enchanted forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains, James finds constant inspiration in the cycle of birth and transformation surrounding him. Nature serves as his muse, influencing his artistic expressions and philosophy.

His creations in 2016 included a series of small metal sculptures forming a puzzle and a large wooden sculpture titled 'Gift of Love' designed to bring people together in a celebratory manner before being ceremoniously burned, symbolizing transformation.

James, also known as Zen WildKitty, holds various educational degrees, including Specializations in Futures Thinking, Construction Management, and Big Data. His professional background includes roles in business development, social media marketing, construction project management, and art curation.

As an Executive Director at Spruce Pine Business Alliance, James contributes to the local community through his artistic and leadership skills. His diverse career reflects his passion for art, sustainability, and community engagement.