Based on thirteen original paintings, the concept behind Jim Lively’s book of photographs, paintings and images from video installations was to explore and probe the essence or the etymology of two words - burnt orange. Despite the obvious relation to his alma mater, the University of Texas, this book is for anyone who may find himself consciously giving chance toward an unchartered yet exhilarating new calling. An emotional chord resonated powerfully during Lively’s ongoing search and discovery of his own burnt orange while creating these works.



In Burnt Orange, Lively incorporates photographs that relate and interact with the paintings. Instead of his signature placement of female protagonists directly upon the canvas in surreal environments, Lively instead uses photographs to capture the female image interacting with the paintings.



Experimenting with different techniques, Lively took thousands of photographs capturing images of the actual paintings interacting with video and projected color effects. He then edited a video containing only those images that most succinctly captured the vibrancy of burnt orange.



Over the course of several weeks, eight different female models were recruited to pose in front of a white wall as the edited video projected directly upon them. With little or no direction, the models slowly began to naturally interact with the video. Movements ranged from motionless blank stares directly into the camera to provocative spontaneity while the video rolled from frame to frame.



Jim Lively is currently represented by www.artistshavengallery.com