Set designer. Pick any of these creative vocations to discuss and you are bound to get an interesting story from our cover artist, James Michalopoulos.

Originally from the New England area, James came to New Orleans on vacation more than 22 years ago and, like so many others, fell in love with the city and the Louisiana lifestyle. James claims that he came in search of adventure, and he has obviously found it. Though he also spends time in Boston, Los Angeles and southern France, it is in New Orleans that you would be most likely to find him. At his home and studio in the Faubourg Marigny, he happily creates the unique style of work he has become famous for.

When I asked if the New Orleans area influences his work, James responded that he is inspired by the melding of the various musical influences of the region. “There’s a fragrance and pungency to the environment here that I find appealing. The music of the region has a lot of sensuality and mystery,” he says. “My paintings are moving and writhing because everything else in the city is moving around them, as well.”

The uniquely fluid interpretations of local buildings are the artist’s most recognizable motifs. He feels that the buildings he paints are the expressions of human intelligence—and that his paintings are figurative and gestural representations of the psychology and spirituality of the person who made the building.

On his website, michalopoulos.com, James says of his work: “I’m listening for the inspirational and I express it as a visual lyric.” That lyrical synergy has apparently been noticed by professional musicians, as he has worked for several years with House of Blues Productions, creating the stage sets for House of Blues in Los Angeles and New Orleans. A visit to either location shows how James’ fluid, funky style fits in well with the jazzy energy of the House of Blues. His sets are popular with performers and patrons alike.

Another of James’ unique endeavors—one that is sure to make those who are fond of bread pudding and Hurricane cocktails take notice—is the Celebration Distillation Corporation. In what might best be described as a micro distillery, located on Frenchman Street in New Orleans, James and his partners produce the New Orleans Rum brand, a unique premium clear rum made exclusively from Louisiana sugarcane and molasses.

According to Celebration Distillation Corporation, New Orleans Rum is the only premium rum distilled on the mainland of the United States. As you might expect, the website at neworleansrum.com is full of alternative recipes that substitute New Orleans Rum for other mixers, including a recipe for bread pudding and rum sauce. Did you say you were in the mood for a rum margarita? How about a rum sunrise? No surprise. There are recipes for those and other libations as well, all unusual combinations that were almost certainly inspired by James’ unique approach to everything he turns his attention to.

In recent years, James’ artistic popularity has grown, due in part to the annual pilgrimage to New Orleans for the granddaddy of all jazz festivals, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He has created a record three posters for the Jazz Fest, an honor he shares with past Inside Northside featured artist George Rodrigue. In 1998, James created his first poster, depicting New Orleans musician Dr. John. To honor the 100th birthday of New Orleans native and jazz legend Louis Armstrong, James was again selected to create the official poster. It was the first poster in Jazz Fest history to sell out on the first day of the five-day event. Most recently, James created the 2003 poster, featuring the late gospel star Mahalia Jackson. James also created a past poster for the Global Wildlife Federation’s Starry Safari fundraiser.

Though James’ original works are available primarily through his galleries on Bienville Street in New Orleans and in Boston, a good cross-section of serigraphs, posters, remarques and other items are available through his publishing company, Cattywompus Press. Accessed through its website, michalopoulos.com, Cattywompus Press is a small fine art publishing house that specializes in the production of exciting, visually compelling artworks. Of particular interest is the 224-page, full-color book just released in September, which features more than 200 of James’ most recent paintings, many with commentary by the artist.

Says James of his work, “I love color and movement. I enjoy dynamic expression. I like to make a picture dance, and I often think of a painting in mystical terms. Life is a pulsating, vibrational riot. I snip cuts of this and serve it up. It’s a great life.”

For additional information about the artist, please visit michalopoulos.com.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.