Roi, in French, means king. Roi James Burgess changed his birth name from Roy to Roi to escape his tormented childhood. Little did he suspect he’d grow into a man with a courtly attitude, deference, and the humility of a “good” king. When we set up the appointment for this interview, the text message I received could’ve been written by a statesman, the kind from yesteryear where civility and politeness reigned. “I was swamped, and I just threw out a quick response”, he says, which gives you some idea of the type of person he is.
Aware. Spiritual. Abstract.
A Living Fire: The Transformative Spirit of Art and Soul
The soul of art lies in transformation, much like the metaphor of fire consuming wood to create something vibrant, alive, and illuminating. In an erudite reflection on the materials and spirit of their craft, one artist draws from a profound connection with both the tangible and the metaphysical, exploring how reclaimed wood becomes a symbol of renewal and spirituality in an increasingly fragmented world.
“Wood is more than material,” Roi explains. “It’s a construct—literally and metaphorically—that speaks to the duality of life: organic yet structured, alive yet susceptible to decay. By rescuing discarded wood, I feel I’m pulling it from wastefulness and giving it a second life, turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.”
This reclamation process transforms wood into an icon of spirituality, reflecting the human journey of renewal and resilience. The fire within—both feared and revered—becomes a metaphor for spirit, the artist shares. “I think of fire not just as a literal danger but as the essence of transformation. It’s the living energy within us, the soul that burns brightly when we connect with our true selves,” claims Roi.
Roi James sources wood from various places, from project remnants to high-quality pine and Baltic birch plywood. “It’s about seeing potential in what others discard. A scrap destined for a landfill can still bring value into the world.” Yet the constraints of size and industry practices often shape the artistic process. “The substrates I use—layers of plywood—mirror the layered constructs of modern life and spirituality.”
This layered approach is also visible in the artist’s relationship with their mother, a central figure of inspiration. “My mother was an artist at heart, though she was confined by the expectations of her time. She didn’t truly begin to live her dreams until later in life, and I was fortunate to travel the world with her, creating unforgettable memories. Even now, I feel her presence in my life and work.”
The dialogue around soul and art deepens when the artist describes their mystical experiences, which shaped their creative and spiritual journey. One particularly poignant memory from childhood stands out: “I was lying in bed when I felt a gentle touch on my forehead. I opened my eyes and saw a hand slowly moving away. It wasn’t my brother’s hand; it wasn’t anyone’s hand I could explain. That moment stayed with me—a profound reminder of the mystery and magic of life.”
For this artist, the act of creation is rooted in embracing uncertainty. “I’ve always been a seeker, moving from structured beliefs to a space of mystical abstraction. My work reflects the uncertainty of what will emerge as I create. It’s a dialogue with the material, the spirit, and the moment.”
But this balance is not without its challenges. The demands of commissions often pull the artist away from the soul of their craft. “Commissions are a necessity, but they can stifle creativity. This year, I’m focused on rediscovering the balance—infusing my soul into the work while trusting that success will follow.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with many creatives who juggle commerce and artistry. Yet, this very tension often fuels the most transformative art, creating spaces where viewers or readers can ignite their internal fire.
Ultimately, Roi’s work transcends the constructs of wood and fire, commissions and constraints. It is an invitation to recognize the potential for beauty and spirit in the discarded, the overlooked, and the uncertain. And in that recognition, perhaps, lies the essence of the human soul.
Roi embraces the flow of the imperfections of his work and life and finds beauty in the unexpected. Each stroke is an act of faith, a leap into the unknown where mistakes can become revelations, and what seems chaotic at first glance may resolve into something extraordinary. That profoundly spiritual and uniquely personal process mirrors how life unfolds when we allow it to—free from rigid expectations, open to surprise, and grounded in authenticity.
This approach resonates profoundly with the artist’s journey, blending the realms of light and darkness, struggle and triumph, self-doubt and conviction. The parallels between abstract painting and life become strikingly evident, as both are acts of creation and vulnerability. In the same way, a canvas starts blank; each day offers a new opportunity to explore, express, and evolve.
The conversation turns reflective again, touching on the humbling realization of mortality and the lessons gleaned from facing cancer. The brush with death reshaped priorities and refined the essence of being—clarifying what matters most. “Love in all its forms,” Roi confides, “connection with others, family, friends, and the simple act of being present—these are the threads that weave a life worth living.”
That revelation, born of hardship, infuses the work itself. The paintings aren’t just images; they are vessels of meaning, conduits of emotion, and reflections of the inner landscape. The light that dances across the canvas becomes more than a technique; it manifests hope, resilience, and the eternal interplay between what’s seen and unseen, conscious and unconscious.
Even the act of creating art carries its challenges. The myriad demands of modern life—emails, marketing, logistics—can encroach upon the sacred space of creativity. Yet, the artist persists, carving out moments of stillness and immersion. “Every painting is like a prayer,” they explain, “a way to stay tethered to that light, even when the world tries to pull you away.”
The journey toward artistic mastery is often a convoluted path, filled with unexpected twists and moments of profound revelation. For this artist, simplicity emerged as a destination rather than a starting point, an antidote to the arduous and complex techniques that marked the beginning of their work.
Initially drawn to the grandeur of old master-style painting, Roi’s early work demanded extraordinary patience and precision. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought I could paint that way,” he reflects. Museums once felt like temples of unattainable beauty, their halls filled with figures and works that seemed almost divine. “If I could paint one painting using the style of the old Dutch masters, I would be so happy,” he mused, though doubt lingered. Yet, his natural talent and relentless determination led him to copy the masters painstakingly. Without any formal guidance, he delved into books, wrestling with terms like sfumato and glazing, often feeling lost.
This trial-and-error approach reached its zenith with a months-long endeavor to replicate an angel. “It felt like I had almost had a nervous breakdown,” he admits. Seeking clarity, a serendipitous discovery in the Yellow Pages led him to Mission Renaissance, where his teacher astutely observed, “You already know how to paint like an old master; you just don’t know what you’re doing.”
Through structured lessons, the subconscious brilliance of his work was brought to light and simplified into accessible building blocks. “It suddenly became so easy,” he recounts. Yet, as the mastery of technique grew, the emotional connection to his art waned. “These paintings that would take 40 hours felt mechanical—there was no emotional connection to the process because I was just running this technique.”
His growing disconnection from technique-driven art coincided with a newfound appreciation for abstraction. Initially resistant, Roi found himself unsettled by the enigmatic works of Mark Rothko, unable to grasp their emotional pull. “I’d feel kind of nauseous looking at them,” he admits, describing initial bewilderment. It wasn’t until later, when his worldview shifted, that he recognized abstraction as an exploration of uncertainty—a direct line to something ineffable, akin to a spiritual experience. Or as this interviewer interjected, jazz music.
This evolution paralleled a personal transformation. Their early years were marred by trauma: physical and emotional abuse left scars that cast a shadow over his music career. “I couldn’t be on stage. I had so much pain,” he recounts. The need to heal pushed him away from music entirely, though this hiatus inadvertently opened a new door.
While taking computer courses to secure stable work, they enrolled in an art elective at a community college. The first drawing session was transformative. “The moment my pencil hit the paper, I knew. It was visceral, spiritual—like a bolt of lightning.” Art, born out of serendipity, soon became his calling, eclipsing his past as a musician.
Ironically, Roi’s first art show rekindled his love for music. With the proceeds from his debut exhibition, he purchased a fine guitar, signaling the return of music—not as a profession, but as a passion. The synthesis of art and music now shapes his creative process. Songwriting, he explains, is deeply abstract, akin to painting. “It’s this connection to the unknown—feelings and fragments of words that gradually coalesce into verses and phrases. It’s discovery in its purest form.”
He has come full circle through art, music, and the unyielding desire to connect with something larger than himself. From the rigid confines of old master techniques to the liberating embrace of abstraction and from the anguish of his past to the joy of artistic creation, Roi’s journey is a testament to the power of transformation. Each stroke of the brush, each song note, is an act of rediscovery—a celebration of resilience and creativity.
As the discussion shifts back to the future, the notion of aging and diminishing physical capacity sparks a debate. Roi reflects on the inevitability of change but remains resolute in his desire to create until the end. “I want my last day to be marked by the work I was doing, the painting I was finishing. That’s how I want to go out,” he affirms.
The dialogue loops back to the artist’s core belief that imperfection is a form of perfection. Whether through abstract painting or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, embracing flaws can lead to unexpected beauty. It’s a philosophy radiates through every canvas, every brushstroke, and every heartfelt exchange. “In the end,” the artist muses, “it’s not about being flawless. It’s about being real, and there’s a kind of transcendence.”
And, perhaps, that is the ultimate connection to light: not a blinding brilliance that erases shadows but a softer glow that illuminates them, revealing their role in the intricate tapestry of existence.
Photo of artwork is titled Sonorium
Visit https://roijames.com/ for more information about Roi James’ art, and YT