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Two regal figures, separated by a narrow void, feel intimately joined by a single golden cord — a quiet, literal reminder that closeness need not depend on proximity. The diptych presents each woman as a complete presence: richly patterned robes, sculpted headpieces and serene, attentive faces suggest mutual respect rather than hierarchy. Against the deep, near-black ground the colors sing — jewel tones of sapphire, emerald and ruby are threaded with gold so that fabric and ornament catch the eye like small lanterns. Their hands, gently holding the cord, do most of the emotional work: the gesture reads as steady, practiced care rather than dramatic clutching, and the spare composition lets that simple action become the painting’s quiet pledge. There’s a gentle narrative here about long friendship and balanced companionship, one panel comfortably answering the other. As decorative object and personal emblem, this diptych feels both ceremonial and warmly intimate — the kind of picture that quietly honors an enduring bond.
The Artwork
About The Tie That Binds Limited Edition DIPTYCH
The Tie That Binds<br> LIMITED EDITION PRINT DIPTYCH
€œThe best friendships can and will endure,€ explains James Christensen. €œMy wife has a life-long friend that lives in California. We live in Utah. Their relationship is more like that of sisters, although possibly even stronger. They have been friends for decades. Over that period of time they have had the chance to share all the joys life has presented them. They have also looked to and supported each other through hardship, distance and change. Separately, they have grown but never have they grown apart. The physical distance between them is overcome by an unseen connection.
€œThis painting is a diptych, each panel its own character. Unlike my diptych Sisters, both of these women are equals in their relationship as indicated by the similar style of clothing between the two. Both women lightly grasp the tie that binds them together. It is not a difficult thing to manage. Additionally, each has an ample length of cord in reserve, ensuring that no physical distance between them can severe their tie. €
As with James Christensen€™s original diptych, both Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Editions of The Tie That Binds are presented in two panels. One of artist€™s ideas in creating the work was that each of the sister panels could reside in a separate residence, serving as a beautiful and thoughtful reminder of the relationship that makes this painting complete.
Both panels of each edition will be signed by Christensen and numbered as a set. Like many other editions in this Catalogue, The Tie That Binds will be available not only as a Fine Art GiclTe Canvas, but as a Fine Art Paper Print as well.
€œThis painting is a diptych, each panel its own character. Unlike my diptych Sisters, both of these women are equals in their relationship as indicated by the similar style of clothing between the two. Both women lightly grasp the tie that binds them together. It is not a difficult thing to manage. Additionally, each has an ample length of cord in reserve, ensuring that no physical distance between them can severe their tie. €
As with James Christensen€™s original diptych, both Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Editions of The Tie That Binds are presented in two panels. One of artist€™s ideas in creating the work was that each of the sister panels could reside in a separate residence, serving as a beautiful and thoughtful reminder of the relationship that makes this painting complete.
Both panels of each edition will be signed by Christensen and numbered as a set. Like many other editions in this Catalogue, The Tie That Binds will be available not only as a Fine Art GiclTe Canvas, but as a Fine Art Paper Print as well.
Collector Details
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About the Collection
James Christensen (1942–2017) was a visionary fantasy artist known for his whimsical paintings that blend mythological storytelling with magical realism. His work, inspired by Renaissance art and surrealism, features imaginative characters, intricate details, and symbolic elements such as floating fish, which represent wisdom and wonder. Christensen’s unique artistic voice brought to life fairy tales, fables, and medieval-inspired dreamscapes, making his fine art prints and collectible fantasy artwork highly sought after. His ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary continues to captivate art collectors and dreamers alike.
Artist Signature
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This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by James Christensen.
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Authenticity & Documentation
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Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that The Collection Shop announces the passing of artist James C. Christensen on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
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