Pride of Guernsey: James Colmer

James has been running art projects locally since he went to arts college where he studied illustration. After returning to the island, he has worked as a graphic designer and designed murals in the hospital, designed a puffin sculpture for the GSPCA, as well as designing and illustrating seagull stamps last year and puffin stamps this year in conjunction with the Alderney Wildlife Trust.

James illustrates for books including Jag Sherbourne’s Clouds In My Guernsey Sky, which was released by Blue Ormer around the time of the Guernsey Literary Festival. He also designed the film poster for White Rock Productions’ Born Of Water, which premiered recently, and is designing artwork for the forthcoming Beatles exhibition at the Greenhouse Gallery, where he is illustrating a Beatles album cover, as well as increasing his own body of work and showcasing it.

‘Obviously it’s a complete honour to be selected, I’m really chuffed,’ he said.

Nominator Rollo de Sausmarez praised Mr Colmer’s efforts.

‘James is a huge champion of the arts and of Guernsey. His distinctive work stretches across a wide range of mediums and brings joy in lots of different places.

‘He was until recently squeezing his art in around his day job, but went full-time six months ago, which has really ramped up the productivity. Have a look at his Instagram @jamescolmerart.’