Signature pieces reflect the artist’s lifelong fascination with ancient standing stones, cromlechs and prehistoric monoliths on the Celtic fringe of NW Europe. Others make philosophical statements. Still others are satirical or tongue-in-cheek. Some are anachronistic. Most pieces are provocative, and derive from thinking in other categories.

The artist is James Dunning, who has served as jack of many trades, to include linguist, soldier-clerk, free-lance translator / interpreter, teacher, professional student, chemist and pharmaceutical researcher, archivist, author and editor of scientific reports (et al.), and musician in Irish and international music. He has acquired no formal art training other than the casual observation and homage of the eye to nature and to works and techniques admired, but is now offering a portfolio, including drawings in pen and ink and other media.

The artist has read and digested Tolkien¹s various works for forty years and has constructed evolving mental landscapes of scenes in Middle-earth. Having read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings over twenty times, each time he picks up fresh details. He has tried to depict Tolkien themes presented here in a style consistent with J.R.R. Tolkien¹s own illustrative style.

James Dunning was featured in interview with Pieter Collier of The Tolkien Library (2007). He won Heren Istarion's Imperishable Flame Award (2007) in the category of Tolkien Inspired Creation(s).

MATHOMIUM PORTFOLIO The above pieces are featured by Mark T. Hooker in A Tolkienian Mathomium with express permission. This fine book, a collection of insights into Tolkien’s linguistic landscapes of Middle-earth, is still available.

1. Portal Dolmen, Poulnabrone (1986) - This fine dolmen is situated on The Burren, a natural rock table fractured into many fine crevices. In springtime many of these crevices contain a microcosmos of breathtaking flora blossoming on a Lilliputian scale. This extensive table rock also platforms a number of imposing ruins, among them this dolmen, a Neolithic monument of unknown function, perhaps a burial chamber. The Burren is in the northwest of the County Clare, in Ireland.

2. Bilbo and the Mathom House (2006) – This piece was Inspired by A Tolkienian Mathomium, conceived dedicated to author Mark T. Hooker. Back again in The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins lends his mithril coat to a museum, the Mathom House in Michel Delving. The Mathom House is depicted in classic Hobbit-style, reflecting their closer kinship with the earth: underground construction with round door and window and lush botanical surroundings. Inscriptions above its door read M.D. (for Michel Delving) in two scripts. Bilbo stands beside his mithril coat and helm on display, as if posing for an article in the Hobbiton Daily News. He has blown some fine smoke rings and is drawing pensively for the next ring. Bilbo may be uncomfortable with the unwanted attention, or impatient posing for the methodical artist (no instant cameras in Middle-earth), or perhaps he has spotted Lobelia Sackville-Baggins approaching. He is wishing he could disappear; his left hand is fingering The Ring in his pocket.

3. The Bridge of Khazad-Dûm (2006) – The Fellowship of the Ring pits Gandalf (the artist’s most-favoritest LOTR character) against the Balrog, a dreadful winged spirit of the underworld, on a narrow ribbon of stone arching over a fathomless abyss. The eye is drawn immediately into the horror of the immense yawning void. Despite the valiant intentions of his companions - Aragorn is mounting the bridge despite Gimli’s caution, and Boromir chafes to spring into action - Gandalf is seen brave but utterly alone against a menacing paradox of shadow and flame with fiery sword and whip of many thongs. Gandalf’s staff is discharging the Secret Fire of Anor in defense, and his sword has just shattered the sword of the Balrog. His eight companions look on aghast. Men, Elf and Dwarf are in defensive or protective postures, Hobbits are either overcome or offering support.

The surroundings, including the massive pillars of Moria and the foreground, bear telltale scars of the Orcs’ desecration. The observant viewer will find several surprises.

The portfolio will grow. Please stay tuned for future pieces.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ARTIST’S NOTE - The above pieces are property and copyright [©] of James Dunning, and are used by Mark T. Hooker in A Tolkienian Mathomium with express permission. Those interested to acquire high quality prints of these pieces may contact the artist at dolmentreeart@yahoo.com