James Presley
Xpat Interview: James Presley (2004)
Xpat Interview: James Presley
"I have recently moved to Pilisvörösvár, mainly because my wife-to-be, who is Polish, is pregnant and also as we are both artisists in a way, she is writing poetry, and I am painting, we needed some inspiration, and you certainly get it there. I only started painting about 3 years ago, in 2002. I was in America for 3 months and when I came back to Hungary I just picked up a paintbrush and started. Since then I have had 7 exhibitions, mostly cafés, and one gallery on 13th district Vaci street.
I am not painting to make money I do it because it relaxes me, but if I do sell something that’s always handy, as its not the cheapest passtime.
I hope to gain recognition one day, I think that’s every artists dream as we are showing something visually. I am expressing my feelings through what I put on canvas, which is what I want to share with other people. What I would really like to do is have my paintings in modern office buildings, houses, cafes or interior design shops, and make a living that way, so any orders just send them.
I can thank Sylwia, my fiancee, for being where I am today as she has brought me much happiness and inspiration. Since we have been together that’s when I started to find a style that I enjoy, to basically discover a technique.
Web address: "
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived 12 years ago, by bus well that’s what brought me here anyway and work.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I spent 2 years in Germany, and last time I went to England I felt like an Expatriate.
3. What do you hope to accomplish, personally or career-wise, during your stay in Hungary?
Presently, I am working at a photo agency, but my real passion is art. I am hoping to accomplish recognition and open a gallery for those who don’t get the chance to show their works, and of course to show my own.
4. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Well when I came in the winter of ’93, the cold.
5. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
I could say the castle, but that’s so typical so definetely a trip to Hero’s Square and a good Garden hop, weather-permitting.
6. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Sorry, I have to be boring and say Gulash with ‘strong Steve’, I also love the meatballs.
7. What food from home do you miss the most?
Pasties.
8. What is never missing from your kitchen?
Indian spices.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Art.
10.What’s a job you would definitely never want?
Teaching, I did it for 9 years .
11. Where did you spend your last vacation and where do you hope to spend your next one?
I spent my last vacation in 7th district, the next I would like to spend in Portugal, but I probably have to got to England.
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Favourite singer, Elvis, hobby drawing, favourite film King Creole.
13. What can’t you resist?
I can't resist an invitation.
14. Red wine or white?
Vodka.
15. Decaf or regular?
Regular.
16. Book or movie?
Paint.
17. Morning person or night person?
All day, all night.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Cats only.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pilisvörösvár.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Live life for today, plan your future, don’t stress, and love everybody except those you hate.
