James Castle: Portrait of an Artist

This acclaimed documentary by Ohio State alumni Jeffrey Wolf uncovers the life and creative process of James Castle: a self-trained, deaf artist who portrayed his surroundings (and otherworldly imaginings) with found media like matchbooks, notebooks, calendars, twine—even soot mixed with his own saliva. Castle recycled the ephemera of his family’s homestead and general store to produce an astonishing body of work that has rightfully garnered worldwide recognition.

The screening and following panel discussion occur in conjunction with an exhibition of Castle’s work at the Urban Arts Space in January and February. The show features over 100 pieces by the enigmatic artist and offers the full story of a true outsider artist— and a remarkable example of the triumph of the spirit and imagination.

Cosponsored by Greater Columbus Arts Council, Ohio State’s College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Arts Administration, Education, and Policy; Department of English, American Sign Language Program; Literacy Studies; Disability Studies Program, the Diversity and Identity Studies Collective, and an Arts and Humanities Research and Creative Activity Grant.

Thank you to Ohio State’s Office of Disability Services for providing American Sign Language interpretation of the panel discussion.