Who is James Cusano?

My ability to discern or extract concrete objects from abstract patterns on commercial tiles  common to bathrooms and kitchens is known to be a form of pareidolia.

During my abusive childhood, I would lie in bed and look up at the myriad of cracks in the ceiling and found I could perceive animals and humans. I used this as a source of recreation to comfort my depression. Today, I find inspiration in the shading, striations, and naturally occurring lines within commercial stone.

What does James create?

My medium is naturally patterned tile and my process is completely organic, through which I seek to expose the incorporeal images I see. In order to interpret, create, and project my vision, my approach is to trace a minimum of fine and bold lines intrinsic to the tile; or highlight the figure through the use of painted backgrounds to focus the viewer’s eye. All the figures demonstrated in my work are illustrated solely through the natural lines within the tile. As an objective minimalist, I try to be very honest to the natural lines within each tile and allow them to do most of the work.

How does James do it?

My method is very restrictive compared to traditional artists who impose their vision onto a blank canvas. In my art, I am bringing focus to the images I see without interfering in the naturalness of the medium. The outcome of my work is always surprising. The art already exists; it simply needs me to reveal it for others.