After gaining a fundamental education at the local public schools Kevin James attended Buffalo State College. It is here that his creative vision began to truly become honed. During his time at Buffalo State College he studied painting, printmaking, and photography. Besides the Fine Arts his exposure to philosophy, literature, and ancient history had a great impact on him.

    Kevin James’ work is derived from the nether regions of his subconscious mind. Influences come from a plethora of sources, but are most strongly rooted in the Surrealist movement, such as Dali, Miro, Man Rey to name a few, as well as the Outlaw/Outsider Art movement, such as Coop, Big Daddy Roth, Pushead, and etc. The genre of Horror is also a heavy factor in Mr. Hurtack’s work. Although no direct references are made in his work to specific Horror movies, books, or so forth, Kevin’s perpetually influenced by the Macabre. More then anything the artist feels a strong bond for the disturbing and grotesque which is evident in his Art. In particular the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith and other pulp fiction writers of the 1920's have found a place in Mister Hurtack’s personal pantheon.

    Kevin James continues to develop his unique vision as an artist and illustrator. Today he primarily works with pen and ink as well as air brushing.

    The artist’s work varies from gritty B&W work to a full spectrum of brilliant color. Lately, Kevin James has been working with the challenge of adding greys to his B&W marker drawings.

    Never one to censor his work, nor apologize for it Kevin’s work stands as a testament to a passionate and dark imagination that is bound only temporarily by the limits of the page.

    The goal of his work is to shock, arouse, and entertain. More then anything Art is a vehicle of escape from the tedious reality we all dwell in, and Kevin James’ Art truly is an escape from the norm.

    Mister Hurtack is a Staff Illustrator for the bimonthly online and print magazine Static Movement and the print magazine RAZAR. He has also done work for Midnight Street,Black Petals, and Theatre of Decay.  

    Kevin James currently resides in Colorado, and when not creating Art he can be found trekking into the Rocky Mountains for an adventure of mountain biking, hiking, or taking in the cultural events his hometown has to offer.