One often overlooked yet incredibly versatile tool stands out in the vast landscape of art mediums: the humble ballpoint pen. For many, it’s merely an everyday writing instrument, but for a select few, it’s a vehicle for boundless creativity and expression. At the forefront of this movement is a cadre of artists who have mastered the intricate art of ballpoint pen drawing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this seemingly simple tool. One such artist whose journey epitomises the dedication and innovation within the ballpoint pen art community is James Mylne. From his early years of tinkering with pencils to his current status as a revered master of the ballpoint pen, his story is one of perseverance, passion, and precision. In his youth, James Mylne was drawn to the challenge of creating realistic images with pencil, yet he yearned for deeper blacks and finer gradients than graphite could offer. This quest for contrast and detail led him to experiment with ballpoint pens, a medium often underestimated in fine art. Through meticulous trial and error, he discovered the delicate balance of pressure and motion needed to achieve his desired results, setting the stage for his future artistic endeavours.”Well, when I was trying to draw realistic pictures in my early teens with pencil, I was disappointed with how the graphite couldn’t create proper Black. I wanted what comic books achieved with the high contrast and bold Blacks, but I also wanted to get the fine gradients and shading that using pencil offers, so I wanted to get ballpoints to do that. I had a breakthrough moment in 1994 when I figured out that just applying really light pressure, in a certain motion, in an obsessive manner, you could! At the time I don’t think anyone else was doing that.”- explains the artist.
James Mylne stands out due to his technical excellence and steadfast commitment to his art. He spends innumerable hours over his drawings, carefully layering ink to create textures and subtleties with exacting detail. His method is as contemplative as it is artistic, infusing Zen and Tibetan Buddhism principles into every stroke of the pen. “I’ve always been very into Zen & Tibetan Buddhism. I’ve felt a connection to my realistic drawing from those disciplines like meditation, patience, inward discovery and self-investigation. As you may know, my drawings can take upwards of 400 hours to complete, and completing them without making a mistake takes a lot of practice, confidence, and zero emotion. It sounds cold and clinical, but in reality, it’s very, very rewarding. So it’s not just an artistic practice but a spiritual one. James has earned acclaim for his innovative contributions to the art scene in Europe and internationally. Despite initial scepticism from conventional art circles, he has established himself as a forerunner in ballpoint pen art. His partnerships with eminent photographers and roles in prominent campaigns have solidified his status as an innovator. A highlight of James’s career was his involvement in the Bic Challenge campaign. In it, he recreated Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring” using a single black Bic pen, demonstrating the adaptability of ballpoint pens and challenging the limits of this modest instrument. “The PR team at Bic designed the campaign around my artwork, which they had commissioned beforehand to promote the challenge. They distributed prints of my work to 12 winners. The original is in the CEO’s office at Bic in Paris. Interestingly, I didn’t even finish one pen on it; the ink lasts a long time!” James Mylne remarked. “Devoting 90 hours to a single pen drawing for the Bic Challenge is noteworthy yet typical for me. I once spent nearly 500 hours on an ink drawing, which might be a record duration. I focus on the final satisfaction. Delayed gratification comes with patience and concentration. In the end, I relish the process— being present, focused, and serene.”
Transitioning to the Reworked exhibition series, my collaboration with photographer Terry O’Neill for the first instalment was a remarkable experience. Could you elaborate on your decision to reinterpret Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond and the techniques you employed? Terry O’Neill’s astonishment at the time invested in your artwork speaks volumes about the dedication it demands. How do you sustain motivation and focus during extensive periods of detailed drawing? You’ve certainly done your research! Terry O’Neill was an exceptionally nice individual, a consummate professional, and a gentleman. Collaborating with him was a privilege. Frankly, I believe the gallery chose which of James Bond’s unseen photographs I would reinterpret. Fortunately, it was an excellent choice. Indeed, Terry seemed impressed by how I captured Sean Connery’s reflection on the Jaguar’s bonnet. It was a thrilling project, and it was challenging to avoid distraction from the media buzz surrounding the show and the necessity to keep my drawing under wraps until its TV reveal. For me, as an emerging artist at the time, it was an invaluable experience.
Mylne has continued to push the envelope with his art in recent years, exploring nostalgia, glamour, and timeless themes. His “Vintage Vogue” exhibition, featuring portraits of iconic figures from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, captivated audiences with its blend of elegance and sophistication. Through his intricate drawings, he invites viewers to reflect on the enduring allure of a bygone era. ” I had become bored with drawing Kate Moss and other modern female icons. When I discovered the Golden Oldies from that vintage era, I saw a more authentic glamour; their timeless qualities made them much more appealing. I needed to explore that further. Through the lens of time, the photographs from that period, with their unique texture and processing, convey a sense of distance that makes them almost magical. I wanted to see how I could express that more. I did that by placing straightforward pastel colour backgrounds to give a feeling of innocence and peacefulness. I wanted to give a feeling of cool comfort whilst allowing the beauty and style to be expressed in a bold way that only pen and ink can.
As the art world contends with digital technology’s ascent, James Mylne’s dedication to traditional mediums, such as ballpoint pen art, remains unshaken. Digital tools have their merits, but hand-drawn art possesses an irreplaceable allure. Amidst the whirlwind of distractions and the pursuit of instant gratification, such artwork underscores the importance of patience, focus, and the human element in creativity. “I significantly vary what I draw because exploring and testing ideas is crucial. Nevertheless, my art typically conveys timelessness, often through a tranquil and calm moment, capturing the subject’s relaxed vibe.” “AI Art or digital art can only manifest as a print of a computer screen, and the potential for prints is virtually limitless since they’re code-generated. Hence, a unique physical version is impossible, setting a stark divide between these categories and making comparison seem illogical. Years ago, I completed a Master’s degree in Digital Art. On the first day, we learned that digital interfaces and creative apps are merely tools to enhance our artistic endeavours. I’ve recently employed AI to create lifelike images of Audrey Hepburn, which serve as references for my drawings. This is a prime example. The same applies to ballpoint pens—they’re just tools, and I don’t dwell on their significance or future,” the artist elucidates. In partnership with establishments like Danny Rose’s Winky Wonky Art Gallery, James Mylne continues sharing his zeal for ballpoint pen art globally. Through exhibitions, workshops, and mentoring, he aims to encourage emerging artists to embrace pens and delve into the infinite potential of this enduring medium.
“We have a long history. Danny organised an exhibition that brought me considerable attention. We have become good friends along the way. We’ve done shows in a few countries, so there is history in and off the professional field. Ultimately he’s a great guy who is a proper problem solver and very gracious to people so it’s hard not to keep collaborating. This time, it’s on his home turf, and I also love the area, so it’s a no-brainer. Ultimately, James’s journey is not just about creating art— pushing the limits of possible, challenging perceptions, and finding beauty in the seemingly mundane. With each stroke of his pen, he invites us to see the world in a new light, one filled with depth, detail, and infinite possibilities.
Written by Kamila Krzyzaniak
www.jamesmylne.co.uk
