About James Lilley
James Lilley was born in the Red River Valley of Louisiana. Natchitoches, the Steel Magnolia town, nurtured the young Lilley's creativity, imagination and ambition. Baylor University in Texas, the Stella Adler Theatre Studio in New York, the Arts Students League of New York and New York University provided the formal training for this artist, actor and photographer/filmmaker.
"My eye had daily, vigorous workouts as a corporate television producer and the environment of New York constantly stimulated my desire to see more."
With the advent of digital technology in the late 80's, it became possible to experiment with inexpensive photographic color prints and paint on canvas. Lilley, living in Dallas at the time, created a large body of work now in private collections in Texas. This substantial body of work is the result of an experimental, robust and productive period for the painter using photography as the primary medium.
At the turn of the century, the long desired possibility of living in the Bay Area became a reality. Lilley landed in the coastal communities of San Mateo County where he has lived for the last few years. He loves the coast side, especially combined with his work in San Francisco.
James spent three years apprenticing with photographers in San Francisco, developing and refining his skills as a digital photographer, and now enjoys a growing presence in the San Francisco Bay Area market. He is a member of the Professional Photographer's Association of the Greater Bay Area. James is also a member of the City Club of San Francisco where he serves on the Student Leadership Committee and as a member of the Board of Governors.