James Colmer is a talented guy. Since moving from working in the corporate sector a few years ago to becoming a graphic designer, artist and illustrator, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades, exhibitions and commissions.
You might have seen one of his exhibitions at galleries in Jersey and Guernsey, or perhaps his murals in St James and Elizabeth Marina; or maybe his illustrations at the fantastic Lihou house museum. His artwork brightens up the walls of Roustel ward at the PEH; and my daughter was lucky enough to win an original artwork of his when she won a prize at the Guernsey Literary Festival junior writing competition Write Stuff one year; it hangs proudly on our walls at home.
His work has enriched island life in so many ways, with vibrant and life affirming colour, inspired by the beauty of our islands and the sea.
I very much hope that readers will have seen and enjoyed the artwork that the Victor Hugo Centre commissioned from him for the Victor Hugo Trails. From the point of view of a client, James was a delight to work with, providing clear and detailed costings and a realistic timeframe, and communicating throughout the design and development process.
The recent commission by Sark Post of a series of Victor Hugo stamps, to celebrate the 160-year anniversary of the publication of Toilers of the Sea, showcases James’ strengths in design and illustration. He has previously produced ranges of stamps for Alderney and Guernsey, so this completes the set! The choice of locations and scenes shows a deep understanding of the novel and its origins. I particularly love the painting on the £1.54 stamp showing Victor Hugo rowing a small boat into a cave, that is now dubbed the Victor Hugo cave; however, I am sure there will be an image within the collection for all to enjoy.
From his early work on the Victor Hugo microsite for Visit Guernsey, the tote design that the Victor Hugo Centre commissioned, the Victor Hugo Trails illustrations and now the Sark Stamps, James Colmer clearly has a strong connection to Victor Hugo – and I think that Hugo would very much have approved.