“The third panel in my triptych, Ol’ One Eye is he largest gator I have ever. He lived on the banks of stream near Great Cyprus. Having lost an eye in a fight in his youth Ol’ One Eye was clearly treasured by the community. I sat quietly with him and inched closer and could touch him from him when I took this shot with a wide lens. I was warned he came with no warning and I probably deserved to be eaten, but he lured me in to thinking I could do what I did to get this shot with my closest wide lens” - RUSSELL JAMES

In 2001, James began a philanthropic initiative called Nomad Two Worlds, bringing focus and funding to programs within Indigenous and marginalised communities. In 2012, he was invited to meet with the Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, James E. Billie. A bond formed, and James developed deep respect for the Tribe and their hard-won reputation as "The Unconquered" — a reflection of their irrepressible will and ability to adapt, excel and move forward in the face of adversity.

James was granted extraordinary access to the Tribe and their land over the next two years.

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

Inspired by the values of the Tribe, James created a character to represent the spirit of the Seminole people. Supermodel Behati Prinsloo joined as an artistic partner. Her character, ‘Seminole Spirit’, became the metaphor for the strength, vision, and cultural significance James felt emanated from the Tribe.

The series is presented on handmade archival Japanese papers and was unveiled at Stephan Weiss Studio in New York on February 17, 2015, at a gala co-hosted by Chief James E. Billie, Spiritual Leader Bobby Henry, Donna Karan, Behati Prinsloo, and Russell James.