Meet K. James

We had the good fortune of connecting with K. James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi K., what are you inspired by?
I’m most excited by the parts of our world where extreme commitments outweigh logic and reason. I knew I wanted to be an artist from a very young age—a path that’s always been shadowed by the looming question, “How will you make money?” But for me, being a creative person isn’t a choice; it’s a compulsion, a necessity.

I’m drawn to people who are determined to prioritize their niche passions in a world that values capitalism and “normalcy” above all else. These vibrant subcultures have their own morals, jargon, ideologies, and glimpses into how others push through life.

Professional wrestlers endure enormous amounts of physical pain. They spend most of their time training and traveling from one small town to the next—often for very little pay.
Farmers work tirelessly to tend to crops that might fail, facing endless variables and betting on predictions.
Ocean Ramsey has put her life at risk countless times to dive alongside massive sharks. Why?

Whether it’s love, passion, legacy, fascination, or something else entirely, I’m incredibly inspired by the moments that make someone decide that their commitment is worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My images, videos, and sculptures center on the dynamic world of professional wrestling, where I explore intimacy, consent, boundaries, and violence. Since graduating from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, I returned to my home state of Texas, where I started working to build trust with various independent wrestling promotions— doing odd jobs, building props and sets, designing posters and merch, and photographing training sessions and matches.

“Choreographed, rehearsed, and fake” are common misconceptions about the action and interplay inside a professional wrestling ring. While the level of communication varies, improvisation is ever-present. Wrestlers rely on each other’s decisions and responses for the match to be both safe and exciting. This sets professional wrestling apart from other combat sports, where the focus shifts from sheer violence and domination to storytelling and protection— a place where creativity and consent are prerequisites.

My work is a physical and conceptual study of trust and vulnerability— a risky, exposed place where so much is gruelingly earned and so easily lost.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in Denver is the RMCAD campus — it holds a lot of personal meaning for me, and I make a point to visit every time I’m in town.

But since this interview is about me, let me tell you about some of my favorite places in my city — just in case you ever find yourself in Austin.

First stop: Barton Springs Pool. It’s a massive spring-fed pool where the water stays a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. I always take visitors there, especially early in the morning — it opens at 5am, and if you go then, you’ll have it mostly to yourself. Floating in the quiet water while watching the sun rise over the city is really something special. It’s where I do some of my best thinking.

Once we’ve worked up an appetite, I take everyone to Sap’s, a Thai spot on the south side of town. The food is incredible — and the ceiling is lined with colorful umbrellas that make the whole place feel like a celebration.

For nightlife, I always recommend coming to an Uncanny Attractions show. Uncanny is the wrestling company that I work for, and I love to share it with guests. We run out of the Highland Lounge — a three-story bright pink gay bar that’s full of energy and excitement — the perfect way to end the night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to thank my mom, who has supported me as an artist for as long as I can remember.

I’m also incredibly grateful to Tobias Fike and Gretchen Marie Schaefer—both former professors of mine at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Their mentorship and unwavering support have been invaluable. I truly wouldn’t be creating work as consistently as I do without their guidance.

Finally, I want to shout out the Texas independent wrestling community for welcoming me into their world and allowing me to observe and take up space. In particular, Hybrid School of Wrestling in San Antonio, TX, for giving me the opportunity to get involved, and Uncanny Attractions in Austin, TX, where I’ve found a creative home.

Instagram: @kjmsart