James Spearman was born in Monticello, Georgia. He lived most of his life in Detroit, Michigan, moving from Georgia to Michigan at the age of five. He has always had a love for art.  Although there was some evidence of his talent at an early age through occasional sketching and painting, he never really took it seriously until he entered college and discovered his talent in art.

In 1972, Mr. Spearman graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art specializing in Interior Architectural Design and Space Planning.  After graduation he worked for several years as an Interior Designer and Space Planner in both Residential and Contract Design.

Mr. Spearman’s wife Delphine has always encouraged him and is his most persistent supporter.  With her encouragement, and that of close friends and relatives, he finally began concentrating and developing art full time in 1988 on a personal and business level.  A selected number of prints from his work have been distributed nationally through “Things Graphics and Fine Art,” Washington, D.C.  He has participated in numerous art exhibits within this time period on a local and national level and owned a Fine Art Gallery, “Del Gallery”, form 2001 – 2006.

On May of 2003, Mr. Spearman was commissioned to paint “The Soul of Rock”, by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio; co-sponsored by Ford Motor Company and The Arts League of Michigan.  From the work of ten participating artists, his painting was selected as the signature piece for the touring exhibit, “Rock My Soul”. 

While in Michigan he was a mentor in programs for Metro Detroit Youth through The Arts League of Michigan, a member of The Scarab Club, National Conference of Artist - Michigan-Chapter and at one time The Ann Arbor Art Guild.

His past education experience:  Music Major, Cass Tech High School; Two years at The Detroit Electronics Institute; BFA in Art with specialization in Interior Architectural Design and Space Planning from Wayne State University;  

His past work experience: Four years in the US Air Force Band; Journeyman Carpenter:  Nine years  as Psychiatric Attendant Nurse, State of Michigan;  Five years as Security Officer for City of Detroit; Residential and Commercial Interior Design and Space Planner for Contract Furnishings Inc. and his own company, Artistic Diversions;