Nathan J Lester - visual artist

I grew up with James Valentine on my TV in the afternoons, quirky, a little nerdy, but completely captivating. I watched him all the time, and felt his absence when he moved on to other things.
Years later, I’d hear he had transitioned into more “adult” radio, his voice still finding new audiences. Then, at the very first Enlighten Festival, I was thrilled to see his name on the program, he and his band playing a session in the NGA sculpture garden. Thanks to Andrew Barr, I was given photo access to all the shows that year.
It was something special to witness him live, delivering smooth, jazzy sets to a crowd that stayed put even with rain threatening overhead. Even more special to photograph someone who had been part of my everyday growing up.
Hearing of James’ passing recently was deeply sad. Reading the ABC tributes, it’s clear how loved he was, and how bravely and openly he met his illness, never letting it define him.
Vale James Valentine. Thank you for the memories.