Beat of His Own Drum

Submitted by Casscounty2 on

James Coleman making his mark in Atlanta with art and music

 

By RANDY GRIDER

 
You’ve probably seen him around Atlanta. He can often be found riding his bright yellow bicycle with flowers in the basket – a bike he calls “Celebration.” 
And it’s likely you’ve seen his handiwork at several area businesses in downtown. His latest masterpiece is especially eye-catching.  It’s a large mural on the side of the building at 114 South Louise Street depicting a piece of the town’s history – the former Leon Blakey Motors, which was a mainstay from the 1940 until 1970.
But James Coleman’s colorful flair isn’t limited to painting. He also is talented musician and a bit of a worldly philosopher. The 61-year-old Los Angeles native arrived in Atlanta late last year with a simple JFK-like philosophy.
“I don’t want to know what Atlanta can do for me,” Coleman said. “I want to know what I can do for Atlanta.”
While he has definitely added some vibrant artistry to various businesses including Uncle Juan’s Mexican Restaurant, the Rabbit Patch and Junktion, Coleman’s ultimate goal is much more ambitious. He wants to create the world’s largest orchestra of steel drums right here in Atlanta.
Coleman showcases several customized 55-gallon steel drums that he fashioned to, when played properly, represent the sounds and scales of various musical instruments you’d find in any respectable symphony. With three such drums he plays and sings a soulful rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” While spiritual music is his passion, the former Marine bugler’s portfolio also includes bluegrass, country, blues and other genres.
Coleman plans to make thousands of steel drums and pass along the unique style of music to others, especially area children.
Coleman is well versed in the history of the steel drum, which traces its roots to Trinidad. He said troops discarding drums from the military ships gave rise to the islanders’ innovative use of the surplus containers.
As for his painting talents, Coleman gives credit to a similar castoff item from his youth –pieces of white cardboard found in shirts of dad’s shirts from laundry, which he used to hone his artistic skills. 
“They would fold these small pieces of cardboard in the shirts, and my dad would bring them to me,” Coleman said.  “I painted miniature Michelangelo and Da Vinci paintings on these little pieces of cardboard.”  
Another influence was being the nephew of a master painter for the motion picture industry in Hollywood (Colemen said he got the opportunity to as an extra as an altar boy in Elvis’ movie, “Change of Habit.” )He became acquainted with actor Regis Toomey and shown around Hollywood. 
Later when he visited studio lots and sound stages, Coleman was struck by the large stage murals, which used with the proper lighting, created the effects of depth of field for settings in movies. 
“I practiced painting murals, and I got pretty good at it,” Coleman said. “Also, my mom would buy me paint and allow me to paint my room anyway I wanted it. I would freak it out, painting outer space scenes and things like that.”
Ron Mason, current owner of the building where Coleman’s latest work is still in progress, is the grandson of Leon Blakey. Though he says he’s not ready to reveal the nature of what the building will evidentially house, Mason is very complimentary of Coleman and his art. 
“His work is beautiful,” Mason said. “I met him downtown and saw his work, invited him into the church and, we became friends. He is an old-school artist. He is a very talented. fellow.”
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