James Cook's Typewriter Art: From London Hobby to Global Recognition

James Cook, an artist from London, has transformed a school project from his childhood into a thriving career as a typewriter artist. He meticulously captures famous sites like Times Square in New York City, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Wimbledon’s center court. His artistry has garnered global recognition, resulting in exhibitions, commissions, and a forthcoming book titled 'Authors in Type', which showcases 50 typewriter portraits of esteemed writers and is scheduled for release in October. Additionally, an exhibition will debut at the Colchester Library in Essex, UK, in the same month, followed by a pop-up event in New York in November. Cook's artistic journey commenced in 2014 after being inspired by Paul Smith, a typewriter artist with cerebral palsy. His inaugural piece depicted the Woolworth Building in New York, crafted on a lime green 1953 Oliver Courier. Cook's technique involves making a Photoshop collage for reference and then typing directly onto the page, one character at a time, without the luxury of an undo option. He likens the typing rhythm to playing the piano. With over 100 typewriters, many of which were donated, his favorite is a 1930s Smith Premier weighing approximately 30kg. He often prefers to create architectural scenes and cityscapes on-site, including locations like the Top of the Rock in New York and the chimneys of Battersea Power Station. His work revitalizes old machines and invites public engagement in the creative process.