James Mcarthur Cole II Lives and works in Chicago, IL (USA) Biography James Mcarthur Cole II is a Fine Art Travel Photographer with a deep love and passion for both travel and photography. Seeing life as a journey and sharing the images he’s captured during his travels is a way of taking those that view his work - along for the ride. Self-taught, James initially began dabbling in photography purely as a hobby and on family vacations. But after a while it became more than just a hobby. Travelling regularly through Europe and Asia he began to fall in love with the beautiful architectural masterpieces and the dramatic landscapes that he encountered - and it was then that he began to explore photography more seriously - as he fell in love with what he saw through the lens. James considers himself extremely lucky to be able to travel the world and to share the awesome places that he has visited. He often says that through his photography his hope is to tell a story, elicit a reaction, beg a question, conjure a memory or invoke a feeling. Ultimately, at the very least, James says his hope is to have those that encounter his work to simply "feel something." After James’ first visit to Cuba in 2016, he would expand his interest from mainly landscape photography to include street photography, and it was then that he would gain his first gallery representation by Fidel Rodriguez at Artspace 8 in Chicago. James’ work can also be found on the premier online art portal, Artsy. When not traveling the world, James also resides in Chicago, IL. Artist Statement “I realized early on that traveling is one of the most treasured experiences in ones life. It increases your knowledge, opens your mind and enriches your soul. As a Travel Photographer I am fortunate to have travelled to many destinations in the world that have literally left me in awe. Since the beginning of time, artists, musicians, writers and other cultural connoisseurs have roamed the globe finding inspiration in the beautiful landscapes and the intriguing people and cultures of lands near and far. Photography is my passport to meeting new people, learning of new cultures and customs, understanding history and documenting some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world. My ultimate goal is to document, through pictures, the truest most authentic essence of the people I’ve encountered or to share my profound enchantment with the places I’ve visited.