Land of Origin: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Five decades of work hang still in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, waiting for new eyes to lay upon them. These works are all thanks to James Lavadour, a self-trained painter and printmaker who has created hundreds of nature imitations that breathe and speak to the viewer with whispers of wind and rumbles of lava fields. His art features bright colors that depict scenes of the Umatilla Reservation in Northeast Oregon, where he grew up. He celebrates the Oregon landscape and favors depicting rugged peaks with bold colors and complex layers, giving the viewer the feeling that these pieces were formed through decades upon decades of time, just as the mountains were. His most recent prints are physical manifestations of his statement, “the land and I are one.” These scenes remind any Oregon native of a place they have seen before, though these paintings depict no real mountains or trees. This makes his work all the more attractive and enigmatic, as he creates a completely realistic place one can only lay their eyes on but never go. This exhibit will last until January 11th, 2026, and it is well worth the trip.
This specific collection shows a favorite of Lavadour across the 90s and 2000s, which was the four-pointed star — or more recognizably, the cross. This compositional tool is not used to imply anything religious, but instead used to demonstrate a traditional pattern of Plateau weaving designs which are used in basket weaving.
Lavadour also exhibits an extreme interest in the flow of liquids, which is evident through this painting. The combination of the bold colors from the large, natural mountain form and light colors from the rigid lines allow for a real dichotomy within the painting. There is an emphasis with all of Lavadour’s work on a respect for the land, depicting the mountains in all of their grandeur. His work feels incredibly authentic and depicts the serenity of nature that so many artists wish to capture. If you are looking for an escape from the world, Lavadour’s exhibit is the perfect world to run away to, whether you have just 20 minutes or a couple of hours. It seems you could spend years looking at just one painting and still notice something new each day.
Though largely depicting still scenes, his art is extremely emotional and evokes a great sense of awe, much like being in the presence of a real mountain shaped by the air of a thousand years. His works feel crafted by time — not months, but decades. There is an energetic feeling that can be derived from his work as well. Rock formations are depicted in eye-catching neons and strikingly bright colors.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art goes largely overlooked by students. Most report they have only been to the museum for a class trip or visit with their parents. Though Lavadour’s work is enough to make the trip worth it, the museum itself has so much to offer. I am here to say everyone should stop by the museum at least once, as it is free for all UO students. It might have been right under your nose this whole time, resting just next door to PLC and Lillis Business Complex. There is always new and meaningful art hanging on the walls, and if you look close enough, you can even spot a Picasso tucked into one of the rooms on the second floor. If timeless art does not entice you, a time to reflect should; Lavadour’s exhibit is the perfect place to do so. Your thoughts can be surrounded by endless peaks and replaced with visions of sublimity.
Photo credit: Amelia Gaviglio
About the author: I am Amelia Gaviglio. I am a Junior with an Advertising major & Food Studies minor at University of Oregon. I am from Orange County in Southern California. My favorite season is summer and I love to be outdoors. I have an obsession with the art section of the New York Times and Anthony Bourdain. I love to cook, bake, code, do yoga, watch old movies, listen to old radio shows and relax to smooth jazz.