Thoughts of Infinity
Directed by Halina Dyrschka
The Hamptons International Film Festival
Sag Harbor Cinema
90 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Thoughts of Infinity is a feature-length documentary that invites audiences into the artistic and philosophical universe of James Howell, an artist whose lifelong pursuit centered on the “in-between” — the space where opposites dissolve and absolutes give way to nuance. Known for creating more than 400 works that explore subtle tonal transitions, Howell saw gray not as a single color but as a state of being, a continuum that reflects the fluidity of existence itself. His practice, precise yet meditative, asks us to pause, to perceive differently, and to encounter a world beyond polarization.
Directed by Halina Dyrschka — acclaimed for her award-winning Beyond the Visible – Hilma af Klint — the film brings the same sensitivity and depth to Howell’s story. It unfolds across three key landscapes that shaped his vision: the intimate setting of his West Village studio in New York City, the expansive light of Montauk on Long Island, and the serene beauty of San Juan Island in the Pacific Northwest. In these places, Howell immersed himself in Taoist philosophy, quantum physics, and the rhythms of nature, translating them into an artistic language of subtle transitions and infinite variations.
Blending evocative cinematography with archival material and reflective testimony, Thoughts of Infinity traces Howell’s journey through the voices of family, friends, and collaborators. Their memories not only illuminate the man behind the canvases but also shed light on the challenges he faced in an art world often driven by market value and spectacle — one that frequently overlooked his quiet, singular pursuit.
Moving between biography and meditation, the film gradually reveals itself much like Howell’s paintings: through patience, precision, and attention to detail. It weaves together the intimate and the universal, carrying viewers from the frenzy of everyday life into the stillness of an artist who discovered infinity within limitation. At once a portrait and a philosophical inquiry, Thoughts of Infinity reflects on how Howell’s dedication to the in-between continues to expand the way we see, think, and feel.
Gratitude as well to the extraordinary creative team:
Director of Photography: Luana Knipfer
Editor: Antje Lass
Original Score: Damian Scholl
Sound Design & Mixing: Niklas Kammertöns
Line Producer: Jessica Kreft
Voiceover: Mike Davies
This film is a heartfelt tribute to a singular artist and thinker and we can't wait to share it with you.