Vision splendid

Vision

SPLENDID

INDIVIDUALITY DEFINES JAMES GORDON. FROM THE THOUGHTFUL SOPHISTICATION OF HIS FLOWER PAINTINGS TO HIS SERENELY CHIC OR WILDLY EXUBERANT WORK FOR WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS, EVERY DAY IS A CELEBRATION OF BEAUTY FOR THIS UNIQUELY GIFTED ARTIST.

Looking back on his lifelong love of creating things, James Gordon says he was inspired enormously by a wonderfully cultured relative he lived with for four years as a young boy.

“My Aunt spoke French and Italian, played the piano, enjoyed movies from around the world and was a knitter and beautiful embroiderer,” James recalls. “She had great, groaning beds of violets and taught me how to embroider the flowers. They are still my favourite flowers and I absolutely love the colour.”

Encouraging him to explore his talents, James’s adoring Aunt set him on a creative path that has included illustration, fine art, event design, art direction and paper sculpting. His stellar career includes working as a stylist for Vogue Australia magazine, helping to get Vogue Taiwan and Vogue Korea off the ground, launching products for Louis Vuitton and Gucci, coordinating a runway show for Chanel and designing the logo for Colette Dinnigan’s eponymous fashion label.

James also formed a hugely successful events company in Sydney, which was charged with planning the wedding of James Packer and Jodhi Meares, and the Moroccan-themed wedding of Lachlan Murdoch and Sarah O’Hare – events he describes as “unbelievable” and “sensational”.

FOR ART LOVERS

From 14-17 March, James will have his new paper-cut works on display at The Other Art Fair, held at Australian Technology Park in the Sydney suburb of Eveleigh. Presented by Saatchi Art, this annual event allows you to purchase original works directly from a selection of handpicked artists. sydney.theotherartfair.com

“I’ve also hand-painted fabrics for wedding gowns –I painted one where the skirt was made to look like a blue-and-white Chinese urn,” says James. “I love quirky; something that makes people smile. And I love detail. I also love working with clients who appreciate the original perspective I provide; who are not afraid to take risks and like to be challenged to do something different.”

After holding sellout exhibitions of his paper sculptures at Olsen Gallery in Sydney and The Cat Street Gallery in Hong Kong, James’s passion for working with paper increased and he now blends his cut-paper work with fine art. “I love creating paper flowers, particularly in white, but I can hand-paint them in any colour,” says James.

James relocated to Leura four years ago with his dog, Bob, and has since exhibited his cut-paper art at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Platform Gallery, both in Katoomba. Last year he was commissioned by Olivia Meredith of The Little Flower Shop in Wentworth Falls to paint one of his own floral designs – it’s Olivia’s way of promoting local artists and the painting (of violets) has since been turned into cards that are sold in her shop. James has also picked up plenty of work with private clients since moving to the mountains: “A beautiful job I loved creating was for the wedding of Ella Brinch and Neven Basic here in the Blue Mountains – Ella thrillingly held a paper bouquet of peonies, flannel flowers and eucalyptus, and it’s something she can keep forever. I also made the name cards for the couple’s guests and the paper ribbon and flower decorations for the cake.”

James says his clients appreciate the handmade nature of his work, as it means everything is a one-of item that can’t be found anywhere else. “They also get to keep the original artwork,” he adds.

Running his “one-man design and creative studio” from Leura, James intermittently hosts intimate ‘Salone’ shows at home, inviting locals and Sydney friends to see his latest creations.

“There’s a certain magic about working in the Blue Mountains. I love the light, the vistas and the quiet, and I find the eclectic gardens that mix European sensibility with natural Australian bush so beautiful,” he says. “Bob and I are thrilled to be here.” BML

GARDENS

PROVIDING THE IDEAL BACKDROP FOR YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS, THE REGION’S FINEST COOL-CLIMATE GARDENS ARE REPLETE WITH BEAUTY AND ROMANCE.

1 EVERGLADES HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA: Constructed in the 1930s by renowned Danish landscape designer

Paul Sorensen and inspired by lavish European gardens,

Everglades boasts rare trees, shrub borders, woodlands, terraced lawns, stone walls, winding paths, a grotto, pools and fountains, all of which blend into the natural bush surrounds.

2 MAYFIELD GARDEN, OBERON (pictured): Set over 16 acres,

Mayfield Garden is nothing short of magnificent. Take your time exploring the Water Garden, where the lily ponds are straight out of a Monet painting. One area of the garden features an annual planting of nasturtium and wildflowers, which is breathtaking during the summer months. Constructed features, follies and interactive garden games add to the property’s immeasurable charm.

3 THE BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN, MOUNT TOMAH:

Celebrating its 30th birthday in 2017, this magical garden focuses on the conservation of cool-climate plants and offers 28 hectares to explore at your leisure. Wander through various woodlands, learn about Wollemi pines, marvel at the diverse range of flowering plants and learn all about one of Australia’s most magnificent native shrubs at the onsite Waratah Education Centre.

4 THE CAMPBELL RHODODENDRON GARDENS, BLACKHEATH: One of

Blackheath’s main attractions, these beautiful gardens are most spectacular in October and early November, when the exotic mix of rhododenrons burst into bloom.

You’ll also find an array of azaleas, deciduous trees and conifers planted amid the bushland setting.

5 WINDYRIDGE GARDEN, MOUNT WILSON: Dating back to 1877, Windyridge was given a grand makeover by

Rodger and Wai Davidson, who took the property over in 1995. Along with planting thousands of flowering plants, the pair added a lily pond, waterfall, formal parterre garden, bluebell wood, rainforest and a magnolia garden – all interconnected by cleverly designed walkways. BML