JIM WILLIAMS

I refer to my original art as “Lab Art,” for the focus is on images of Labrador Retrievers. In my bold-colored minimalist paintings I try to capture the essence of one of Maine’s most popular dogs. Labs are alike, yet they are all different. My paintings don’t represent any one Lab, but all Labs.

I can’t talk about the art without talking about chasing dreams. I’ve been chasing dreams my whole life.

I grew up in Ohio and lived there for thirty-five years. After many vacations to New England to ski and bike and eat lobsters, I often sat in my corporate office and daydreamed about living along the rocky seacoast of Maine. As part of that vision, I had often pictured myself running on a sandy beach with a black Labrador retriever bounding along beside me. In 1989, I decided to stop daydreaming and do something about it; I quit my job and moved to Maine.

In 1991, I married and two days later we brought home a 6-week old black Lab puppy. For the next eleven years, Mattie was my constant companion and best buddy. No one had more fun or loved life as much as Mattie did. And yes, she ran with me on the beaches near our Maine home. As we ran by lighthouses and lobster traps, I often reminded myself that I was living my dream.

After 22 years working in various corporate environments, I began taking art courses later in life. My new found passion for painting and my love for my Labrador Retrievers led me to switch careers and open Mainely Labs Studio gallery in Portland in 2005 – another dream came true.

For many years, I also displayed my works at Belfast’s Arts in the Park Festival. Every year my wife and I were impressed with this town and began thinking of relocating here. In the fall of 2024 that dream became reality. I am very excited to be part of the Local Color Gallery and part of the Belfast artistic community.