His eclectic oeuvre spans the range of creative expression, his conceptual drive is as introspective as it is joyously collective. James R Ford joins jotta artists for the recent exhibition Geometry Is Never Wrong, and prepares for his next project, Smash N Tag, set to be an riotous addition to his portfolio.

As a contemporary artist, Ford finds inspiration in the "pastimes, pursuits and obsessions" of the world, which he finds "interesting, especially when twisted and represented in some way." His 2008 piece, entitled Duchamp Played Chess; I Made Cranes, looks to this notion of obsession. Disillusioned with his art practice, Ford turned to the detailed and time-consuming art of origami. He became engrossed with the art form, folding over a 1,000 cranes and using a variety of paper and colour. The resulting installation is a series of towering shelves each one displaying a number of the cranes, each one a representation of Ford's artistic revival.

The meticulous construction of his pieces is an important aspect of Ford's work. While the result of his work is often colourful in representation, there is a depth to his projects. The theme of boredom runs throughout a number of his pieces. CMYK 4160 is the artist's interpretation of the jigsaw puzzle. In using over a 1,000 puzzle pieces, and with no two pieces being the same, "an enjoyable puzzle transforms into a tedious task". With Scribble Fields, Ford explores the pastime of scribbling. Typically an action employed to pass time, scribbling is re-interpreted on a grander scale. In doing so, Ford creates a paradox, "that which is supposed to relieve boredom actually causes it, thus defeating its own objective."

Seeing himself as "a big kid [always] interested in toys and games", it comes as no surprise that child-like themes find a way into his art. Between 2003-2006, he reworked the body of a Ford Capri into the instantly recognisable General Lee. "It's the notion of being a big kid, or re-experiencing childhood ideals from an adult perspective." Using exactly 4,342 toy cars, Ford recreated a childhood icon and in using donated cars from the public, he turned the sculpture into a collaborative effort. "I like the idea of involving the public with my work, creating something together, but collaboration can be a blessing and a hindrance. Sometimes I like to do really personal, intensive work where the result is all about me and the process I went through. Other times I prefer to just let go and see where the collaborative wave takes me".

Smash N Tag is a reflection of this, as he once again seeks the help of the general public. The premise of the work also, funnily enough, involves a car. This time rather than constructing, the process will involve demolishing a second hand car. People are invited to help Ford "destroy his cursed Nissan Primera" with a variety of tools available to make the experience a personal and cathartic process, proving 'there is [always] method to the madness'.