I’m James Mertke (pronounced like murky), and I’m a self taught artist from San Jose, California! I recently graduated with my Masters in Mechanical Engineering and am working full time as an engineer and part time as an artist - for now.

I draw a lot of my inspiration from ordinary, everyday things. I love painting fruits, foods, candies, and items of nostalgia. I’m half Chinese and love getting inspiration from that side of my background. Fun fact, all the lemons and persimmons I paint are grow in my grandpa’s backyard.