About James Coleman Howes

James Coleman Howes (born January 18, 1989), known as Jim to some and Coleman to others, was an artist whose life was a rich tapestry of diverse interests and profound connections. Born in Toledo, Ohio, James grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, with formative experiences in Salzburg, Austria, shaping his worldview from a young age.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University (BA, 2010) and the University of Chicago (MPP, 2015), his early career included impactful work as a political and community organizer, and later as a project manager in the tech sector. These roles took him to Columbus, Chicago, and California, broadening his perspectives.

In 2022, Coleman discovered his true passion in painting. His art, characterized by striking depictions of everyday scenes with an edge of abstraction, became a vital means of communication for him. He painted with a deep desire to connect, and many of his pieces, often commissions, found appreciative homes, a testament to his ability to touch others through his work.

Music was a constant thread in his life. An avid BMX biker in his early teens, he later became a guitarist, a sought-after drummer, vocalist, and lyricist, drawing on percussion skills honed since age six. His insatiable curiosity extended to public transportation, architecture (from Salzburg bus lines to the TWA hotel at JFK), economics, and sophisticated poetry, where he explored the uncharted possibilities of language.

Coleman possessed a formidable mind and a big, empathetic heart. He was a loyal and loving friend to many, cherished for his ability to listen and connect deeply. He navigated the world with a unique spirit, approaching his passions—from music and art to poetry and urban systems—with authenticity.

He was known for his "ruthless positivity" and was often described as the "ultimate hype man," quick to share his sincere enthusiasm for the people and things he found cool. His curiosity was boundless, leading him to explore the "strange and interesting" corners of the Midwest, finding beauty in "rust belt" towns and abandoned buildings, much like he found connections in "hole in the wall" places. Music remained a profound passion; from his early days in BMX and percussion, he became deeply involved in the hardcore music scene as a drummer and vocalist, connecting with diverse communities through shared artistic energy. His unique sense of humor, appreciation for life's quirks (like his "Flavor Town" cooler or a "Live, Laugh, Limp Bizkit" tattoo), and genuine love for people—assuming the best in them—endeared him to a vast network of friends who considered him one of their closest.

His perspective allowed him to see and feel the world's fantastic complexity, its beauty, and its despair, all of which found expression in his creative endeavors. His life was a testament to living true to oneself and the powerful drive to communicate and connect with others on a meaningful level.

James Coleman Howes painted to communicate the depths of his unique perspective, to reach for a communion with the uncharted possibilities of expression. His work, like his sophisticated poetry, sought to explore the nuances of language and connection, bridging his inner world with others. If something resonated with him—be it an artwork, a piece of writing, or an idea—he would share his appreciation with a trademark enthusiasm that was both sincere and uplifting, embodying his belief in the power of shared experience. – A reflection on his artistic intent and enduring desire to connect.