In 2001, James began a philanthropic initiative called Nomad Two Worlds, which brought focus and funding to programs within Indigenous and marginalised communities.

In 2012, James was summoned to meet with the Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, James E. Billie. A bond was formed, and James developed great respect for the Seminole and their hard-won reputation as The Unconquered, admiring their irrepressible will and ability to adapt, move forward, and excel in the face of adversity.

Over the next two years, James was given extraordinary access to the Tribe and their land.

James says, “Seminole Spirit is about the past and present being reconciled with a profoundly simple message – move forward together.”

In the creative process that followed, James imagined and brought to life a single character to represent the core values of the Seminole Tribe as he had come to understand them. Equally inspired by James’ account of Seminole history, supermodel Behati Prinsloo agreed to become an artistic partner in the project.

Ms Prinsloo’s character, Seminole Spirit, serves as a metaphor for the strength, vision, beauty, and cultural relevance that James feels emanates from the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The result is a striking visual interpretation of the Tribe’s cultural progression and modern-day significance, expressed through sensual and dramatic themes shaped by James’ vision.

The Seminole Spirit fine art collection was produced on exquisite handmade archival Japanese papers, selected exclusively for the series. Seminole Spirit was unveiled at a gala opening event on 17 February 2015 at Stephan Weiss Studio in New York. The launch was co-hosted by Chief James E. Billie, Spiritual Leader Bobby Henry, Donna Karan, Behati Prinsloo, and Russell James.