Biography
Duncan James is an Australian artist, designer, and filmmaker, currently based in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, New South Wales. Originally from the United Kingdom, Duncan emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, at a young age. Immersed in a new world of vibrant colours and textures of native flora and fauna, Duncan developed a fascination with the Australian landscape that would become a core element in both his art and design work. By the age of 10, he had already begun painting, and by 16, he had sold over 200 pieces, leading him to enrol in the prestigious Western Australia School of Art.
Duncan’s deep connection to the natural world and his love of outdoor creative work led him to study Landscape Design, and it was here that his passion for working in nature flourished. By his early twenties, he had founded a successful Landscape Design business, earning recognition for his award-winning gardens. However, after a prosperous career in landscape design, Duncan felt a powerful urge to return to his roots as an artist. At 34, he made the life-changing decision to move to Byron Bay, a creative hub known for its artistic energy, where he could fully immerse himself in his art. It was in this serene, rural environment that Duncan built a rustic stone and timber studio, where his creative output grew alongside a menagerie of animals—each providing endless inspiration for his work.
Among Duncan’s beloved animals, his turkeys became a focal point, leading to his work being exhibited overseas in New York. Art critic and curator Dominique Nahas described his turkey portraits as “remarkable,” praising the intensity and texture Duncan brought to these seemingly simple creatures. Duncan’s fascination with the imperfection and beauty of the birds captured the attention of audiences far and wide. His work continued to grow, showcasing both abstract and deeply personal themes, expressed through a unique combination of textures, shapes, lines, and colours that define his signature style.
One notable instance of his art sparking conversation was when Duncan painted former Prime Minister Julia Gillard as one of his hens. While humorous in nature, this piece demonstrated Duncan’s willingness to explore both the humorous and more profound aspects of his surroundings, challenging the conventional and playing with his audience's perception. Duncan's work has not only garnered attention in Australia but has also been featured in national media and at major festivals and exhibitions. His portrait of Australian inventor Ric Richardson, created for his entry into the Archibald Prize, received widespread recognition and further cemented his reputation as a versatile and bold artist.
In 2011, Duncan's creative journey took another exciting turn when he ventured into filmmaking. Mentored by acclaimed British director Chester Dent, Duncan applied his creative energy to the world of cinema, bringing his intuitive approach to storytelling and artistic expression to film. Drawing on his extensive background in visual art, Duncan’s films possess the same texture, depth, and attention to detail that define his paintings.
For Duncan, art is about originality, self-expression, and the ability to make people think. Whether through painting, design, or filmmaking, he approaches each project with a deep sense of authenticity and passion. “It has to be original,” Duncan says, “it needs to make people think, and it needs to tell a story. I follow my own intuition, my own footsteps, even if that means I stumble occasionally!”
Duncan’s artistic journey continues to evolve as does his love of filmmaking. His passion for creating timeless, thought-provoking art work now well and truly transcends into the world of film. In 2024, a decade after making many short films, ranging from the weird to the wonderful, Duncan produced and directed his first feature-length film, Misgivings. Duncan explains, "It was an obvious step in the right direction for me, both artistically and on a personal level. I have a brain that never stops! I daydream constantly about creating new, interesting stories, those that are a little different, a little quirky, and sometimes a little challenging. Whether through the lens of the camera or with the paintbrush, I hope to create beautiful, timeless stories, ones that will resonate with some people and maybe stir the mud with others!”
In 2025, the Indy feature film Misgivings is involved in the International Film Festival circuit and is due to be released in 2026. Duncan continues to push the boundaries of creativity and self-expression, leaving an indelible mark on audiences everywhere.
LM 2019
