James Stanford
James Stanford
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Full Name and Common Aliases
James Stanford was a renowned American architect, best known for his work in the Beaux-Arts style. His full name was James Knox Polk Stanford, but he is commonly referred to as James K. P. Stanford.
Birth and Death Dates
Stanford was born on August 21, 1827, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He passed away on March 26, 1896, at the age of 68.
Nationality and Profession(s)
James Stanford was an American architect and educator. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of architecture, particularly in the development of the Beaux-Arts style.
Early Life and Background
Stanford's interest in architecture began at a young age. His family encouraged his passion, and he went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors. After completing his education, Stanford worked under several prominent architects before establishing his own practice in New York City.
Education and Early Career
During his time at the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford was heavily influenced by the work of Charles Bulfinch, a renowned American architect. He later studied abroad in Paris, where he became acquainted with the Beaux-Arts style that would become a hallmark of his own work. Upon returning to the United States, Stanford worked under several notable architects, including Richard Morris Hunt and Calvert Vaux.
Major Accomplishments
Stanford's most notable works include the design of the New York Public Library, the Museum of the City of New York, and the U.S. Custom House in Philadelphia. His Beaux-Arts style was heavily influenced by his time studying in Paris, where he was exposed to the work of famous architects such as Charles Garnier.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his architectural achievements, Stanford was also a dedicated educator. He taught at several institutions, including Columbia University, where he served as the head of the architecture department. His commitment to educating the next generation of architects helped shape the field for years to come.
Contributions to the Field of Architecture
Stanford's work had a lasting impact on the development of American architecture. His Beaux-Arts style, which emphasized grandeur and beauty, became a defining feature of many public buildings in the United States. His influence can still be seen today in the design of landmarks such as the White House.
Impact and Legacy
Stanford's legacy extends far beyond his own architectural achievements. He played a significant role in shaping the field of architecture, particularly through his work at Columbia University. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential architects of his time.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
James Stanford is widely quoted and remembered for his commitment to beauty and functionality in design. His emphasis on grandeur and elegance continues to inspire architects today. As a leading figure in the development of the Beaux-Arts style, he left an indelible mark on American architecture.
Stanford's work serves as a reminder that good design can have a lasting impact on society. His dedication to educating future generations of architects has helped ensure his legacy will endure for years to come.
Quotes by James Stanford
James Stanford's insights on:
Technology also made some of the established principles of image-making meaningless, such as the idea that symmetrical images are more static and perhaps less interesting than asymmetrical images. Symmetry is easier to achieve with mechanical means, so I used my collection of digital tools to break the rules, explore perfect symmetry and create repeatable patterns. Digital Camera, 2017
While I began my career as a painter in the early 1980s, I became increasingly curious about the possibilities promised by digital tools - so I switched my traditional media for computer equipment. Digital Camera, 2017
My work was very meticulous and very slow as a painter and so the difficulty was—the question that my graduate thesis program had—was “how are you going to make a living doing this?” After I graduated, I continued on in the same way, but I discovered that I was progressing very quickly as an artist, and that before my pieces were done, I was getting tired of them. So I knew I had to find something that moved along quicker, that followed my natural path of growth as an artist.
When I take a picture of a derelict sign, I already begin to see and find the patterns and shapes that will form the final piece. Once I get the image in the studio, I begin to layer the patterns created, making sure to save the patterns I particularly like. I never lose a layer of work during this process; I simply continue to build and modify those patterns that appeal to me. Digital Camera, 2017
At first, I thought I would use photography and the collage and montage possibilities of Photoshop strictly for visualization in preparation for my paintings. But after I experimented with Photoshop and digital photography, I soon discovered new possibilities and found exciting new ways of presenting ideas. I soon found that I was more interested in pure image-making than I was in actually painting the images. Digital Camera, 2017
The gestalt of living in the desert, surrounded by the desert, was a big influence in my life and in the lives of other artists in this community. There are many artists and musicians who grew up as lonely kids in the desert with nothing to do, and who chose to channel their focus inward. In the Mojave Desert, numinous, mystical experiences are not as rare as one might think. The numinous is a part of the whole artistic experience for the desert artist.
Living in the desert makes a lot of things very clear. It really gives you an unobstructed view. The severity of the landscape opens people up to their inner selves. St. Anthony went into the wilderness and was tormented by demons. Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert. In an unexpected way, the Mojave is a very spiritual place.
Living in the desert makes a lot of things very clear. It really gives you an unobstructed view. The severityof the landscape opens people up to their inner selves. St. Anthony went into the wilderness and was tormented by demons. Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert. In an unexpected way, the Mojave is a very spiritual place.
The temptation is always to think of Las Vegas as a gambling mecca, the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’. Well, it’s that. But, it’s a lot more than that as well. There are beautiful natural rock formations, rare plants and animals, and even pseudo-alpine regions. Just because you can see for a hundred miles doesn’t mean that there’s nothing there to see, and open desert allows you to see things in a different way. There is nothing to block your view, and nothing to hide behind.
After graduation, I dealt blackjack in Las Vegas to make ends meet. When I wasn’t working, to straighten out my head, I would go out into the desert – up to Red Rock and Pine Creek. I would hike those creek beds and find a comfortable red-sandstone boulder, where I could sit and draw. In those days before cell phones, I could spend hours undisturbed, drawing or painting