Original signed linocuts.  "Dodds blends imagination, empathy and sheer graft to produce paintings and prints which, in their immaculate detail and integrity of form, express both the physical and metaphysical nature of handmade wooden boats..."  The Independent.

James Dodds was born in the East coast fishing town of Brightlingsea, and trained as a shipwright in Maldon. He then studied painting at Chelsea and the Royal College of Art, London. He has also conceived, illustrated and hand-produced a series of artists books.

He had a major retrospective show, "Shipshape", at The Minories in Colchester in November 2001. This show subsequently toured at Whitstable, Herne Bay, Frome, the Isle of Wight, Barnard Castle, the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall, the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. Great Yarmouth and Hartlepool.

His work has been purchased by Britten-Pears Library, Aldeburgh; Victoria and Albert Museum; Clacton & Rochford Hospitals; Chelmsford and Essex Museums; Ipswich Borough Council, Museums and Galleries; Colchester Borough Council; Horniman Museum, London and many private collectors.

In July 2007 James was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex in recognition of his "distinguished contribution to the local community as an artist and defender of our community and natural heritage."