Jim Dickey

Olympus Digital Camera

Artist Biography:

During high school, one piece of advice from my dad has stayed with me throughout my life: “You have all the time in the world to be a starving artist once you retire.” Those words shaped how I approached my passions, and I made sure that art would always be a part of my journey, no matter where life took me.

I pursued this by earning a Studio Arts minor at the University of Pittsburgh, where I first ventured into the world of sculpture. However, I soon realized that working with clay was impractical in a one-room apartment, so I shifted my focus to something that aligned more with my major of computer science — technology and coding. As the years passed, my career in tech flourished, but I never let go of my creative side. While my day job revolved around computers, I found time in the evenings and weekends to dabble in various artistic pursuits, including stained glass. But my true passion during those years was photography, which became a way for me to connect with my artistic vision while balancing my professional life.

When the internet revolutionized the world, Photoshop and digital imagery became a seamless extension of both my work and personal creative endeavors. It was during this time that I fused my love for art with my tech skills, bridging the gap between the two worlds. This blend of technology and creativity carried me through my career, allowing me to develop a unique perspective that influenced my artwork.

Upon retirement, the first thing I recalled was my dad’s advice—to finally immerse myself fully in art. The opportunity to dedicate myself to creativity had arrived. I began exploring new materials and techniques, experimenting with resin, soft woods, and acrylics, all while continuing to build on my earlier artistic interests. My focus has evolved into the genre of Mid-Century Modern, where I delve into cubic abstract forms, seeking to blend simplicity with bold expression in my work. With retirement, I’ve embraced my artistic freedom, creating pieces that reflect the journey of a life balanced between technology and creativity.

Artist Statement:

Art must exist without constraints, unburdened by rigid expectations or limitations. It should transcend traditional mediums, the boundaries of combining various techniques, or the arbitrary judgements of what is “good” or “bad.” True art is a journey of exploration, constantly evolving into something novel and unseen. It should resonate with the creator’s personal experiences – both past and present – while also forging a path toward a future that has yet to be imagined.