James C E Lightle Visual Artist

Visual Art – Halifax

James was born and raised in Port Hope Ontario. In December 2000 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and quickly moved up the ranks. A Combat engineer by trade and specially trained in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and a Combat Diver, James was at the top of his field. In 2006, during his tour in Afghanistan, James’ vehicle was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while on patrol. Due to this incident, James suffered from numerous physical injuries including a shattered ankle of which was career ending.While back in Canada, his emotional trauma came to the surface presenting as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  While receiving treatment for his PTSD, James luckily discovered painting and photography as a therapeutic outlet for his emotional trauma. To this day, James uses art on a daily basis to help him not only with emotional regulation, but as a new passion and career. Sculpting has taken on a new place in his heart since completing the Sculpture program at Haliburton School of the Arts in 2015 where he achieved the designation of Valedictorian. James now lives in Round Hill Nova Scotia with his wife Jaime Lee and their dogs where he is inspired daily by the beauty of the Annapolis Valley.