Shimmering Zen: Inspired by the Neon Lights of Las Vegas

James Standford’s Shimmering Zen: Inspired by the Neon Lights of Vegas is the long-awaited continuation of Shimmering Zen designed by Philip Lewis as both a trade and limited edition. Stanford photographs the mid-century neon signage and architectural elements of his hometown to create mesmerizing contemporary works of art. He has earned an international reputation for an innovative and diverse oeuvre founded on the values of artistic experimentation and meditative practice. Working inventively in a wide range of media and genres, Stanford is celebrated today for his pictorial orchestrations drawing primarily upon the iconic vintage signage of Las Vegas. The book includes essays concerning craft, technique, photography, digital arts, development of portfolio, the artist’s journey, Zen Buddhism, influences of modern technology and practice, and the power of place.

The book includes more than 150 of Stanford’s original works created over the past 20 years, as well as a foreword by Jeff Rosen, an essay by Rosa JH Berland, and an author interview by Laura Henkel.

Philip Lewis specializes in the design and production of art books, exhibition catalogues, marketing material and graphics for museums and galleries. Among his clients are The British Museum, The Courtauld Gallery, The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Royal Academy, Royal Collection Trust, Tate Modern/Britain, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Lewis has enjoyed working closely with artists such as Richard Long, Anish Kapoor, Susan Hiller, Rachel Whiteread and James Stanford. Lewis Hallam Design is recognized for achieving award-winning publications. Laura Henkel produces comprehensive creative strategies and programs designed to deliver strong equity and cultural relevance. Through her company ArtCulture PR. she stewards contemporary art projects, publishing and specialized global ventures. In her role as Managing Editor, she provides consultancy to Smallworks Press, as well as coaching to independent authors. Henkel is also a published curator, photographer and writer. Jeff Rosen serves as Vice president for Accreditation Relations for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Director of the Open Pathway. Before joining HLC, Rosen served as a Research University Dean of Professional and Continuing Studies and a Professor of Art History. His most recent book, Julia Margaret Cameron’s Fancy Subjects, was published by Manchester University Press (2016). Rosa JH Berland a professional curator and historian of modern and contemporary art and design. She began her museum & art history work as a graduate fellow for the Art Gallery of Ontario, followed by curatorial work at the Frick Collection, New York. She has worked with The Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and The Edward E. Boccia Artist Trust (TEEBAT). In addition to serving as the Honorary Curator and Director of Research for TEEBAT, she is also a published author. American multimedia artist James Stanford has earned an international reputation for his exploratory practice founded on the values of meditation. Stanford creates visual expressions of spirituality, Zen Buddhism, and metaphysics. In his Shimmering Zen series, the artist digitally transforms iconic vintage signage from Las Vegas into mandala creations. Finding beauty in discarded signs, he seeks to transform the profane into the sacred. He is also an award-winning independent book publisher heading Smallworks Press which specializes in art and culture publications.