Today I want to introduce you to James Hance. If you’re reading this article there’s a good chance you’re a fan of all things geeky, from television to movies and comic books, well, Hance is too and a hell of an artist to boot.
A friend turned me on to what he was doing a few months ago when they showed me some of his Doctor Who pieces, since then I’ve subscribed to his page on Facebook, Relentlessly Cheerful Art By James Hance. You can find it here if you’re so inclined.
Hance posts daily, more than once most days. His posts are often of completed works but may also show works in progress and updates. The thing that has impressed me most (besides the spectacular work he does) is the speed at which he completes pieces. He seems to have something new finished every couple of days and they are always fantastic.
You can find a huge gallery of work on his website, with works inspired by Doctor Who, Star Wars, The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, Batman, Sherlock, and more, each with his signature style. Prints are available for purchase and some originals go up for sale on eBay.
In recent days it seems he’s put down the brush and picked up a chisel, creating wood carvings with intricate detail. My favorite piece you’ll see below, the mystics of “The Dark Crystal”.
Can’t find anything in the gallery that strikes your fancy, you soulless jerk? No worries. A portion of the site titled “Hugs For Maddy” gets personal. Hance discusses his daughter Maddy and her chronic medical concerns; rather than ask for donations, Hance has put his skills up for grabs. A unique painting can be commissioned with all proceeds going directly toward travel and medication required to keep Maddy healthy. Hance says “Madison makes me so unbelievably happy, and without that happiness I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.” That happiness comes out in his work which is, as Hance points out, relentlessly cheerful.
If you love art, and you love geekery, and want to support an independent artist, Hance provides the perfect storm of happy nostalgia. Even without spending a penny, his Facebook page cuts through the drama of my wall like a lightsaber through… well… anything, giving me a reason to login every day.
James Hance everyone! Enjoy. Cheers.