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Local folk artist donates painting to Iredell Memorial
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Published: December 1, 2008
North Carolina Folk Artist, Addie James, recently donated an original painting to the J. Allen Knox Radiation Therapy Center on the campus of Iredell Memorial Hospital in honor of all those battling cancer.
"The painting is a beautiful addition to our department," said Jerry Sintay, director of the J. Allen Knox Radiation Therapy Center. " 'Beautiful Angel' is proudly displayed so that all patients can see and enjoy her."
The painting was inspired by James' daughter, Madaron, and her year-long fight with breast cancer. James has supported her daughter through six separate surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and another six months of radiation therapy.
"I just want people to see the painting and remember that everybody has a guardian angel," said James.
James moved to Statesville as an infant and remembers creating her first work of art at the age of five. Painting is not only a form of expression for James, but also therapeutic treatment. After the loss of her husband in 1993, followed a year later with the death of her son, James threw herself into her work to cope with her loss.
Only three short years ago, James was struck with tragedy once again as she fell victim to a fire that engulfed her home and consumed all her belongings, with the exception of a few paintings.
"I just pulled myself up and painted to get through it," said James. "Painting calms me."
James often donates angels to patients in local hospitals and nursing facilities. She has created works that are displayed in several local physician offices, Habitat for Humanity homes, the Gordon Hospice House and the Women's Shelter. In addition, she painted 250 hand held fans for an AIDS Awareness fundraiser in Charlotte.
"I consider my greatest accomplishments as being published in the 2005 Guidepost's Angel Edition and meeting Bill Cosby," stated James. "I hope to be on Oprah one day soon."
"There is nothing she can't do," said Faye Gillion, James' daughter.
James was the illustrator for the children's book, "Ten Little Angels," by Ruth Pittard, as well as, author of numerous poems and a play, appropriately titled "Faith."
James has five children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Inspired by James, Madaron is also pursuing a career as an artist and is working on a children's book. James' granddaughter, Keisha, is busy working on her writing and even two year old great grandchild, Nylivia, is learning brush techniques and helps paint several of James' creations.
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