About This Business

James Daniel Horstman is a fine artist born and raised in Sylva, North Carolina. His work is deeply shaped by the region's natural beauty and urban textures, reflecting his lifelong study of art history sparked by his grandmother, Mary Jane Ellsworth, a professional painter and advertisement cartoonist for NBC. Horstman's artistic journey began in 2021, following an independently funded residency in New York City, where he immersed himself in galleries and museums. Working primarily with pastels, graphite, and ink, he employs both bold color application and deliberate absence of color to evoke sensation, blending realism and planar abstraction guided by gesture and composition. He has coined the term 'Appalachian Expressionism' to define the sense of place and influence central to his practice. As a self-taught professional artist, Horstman sells his work throughout Western North Carolina, offering a unique perspective on the region's beauty and textures. His artistic style is characterized by its emotional depth and expressive use of color, inviting viewers to experience the essence of Appalachia through his creations. With a strong foundation in art history and a keen eye for detail, Horstman continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of Appalachian Expressionism and solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the regional art scene. Through his work, Horstman aims to capture the intricate balance between nature and urbanization, reflecting the complexities and beauty of the Appalachian region. By exploring the intersections of color, texture, and composition, he creates pieces that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, speaking to the hearts of those who experience them. As Horstman's career continues to unfold, his commitment to his craft and his unique perspective on the world around him promise to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the world of fine art.