Life & Work with James William Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to James William Moore.

Hi James William, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Photography became a part of my life in the most unexpected way when I was just four years old. Our family had just moved into a new home, and I hadn’t yet met any of the neighborhood kids. I was in the backyard, playing make-believe, when I could hear my mum yelling from the kitchen, ‘Stay out of trouble and don’t make more work for me!’ To keep me out of her hair, she handed me her Brownie Hawkeye camera and sent me back outside. I had no idea then how much that moment would shape me. Suddenly, this little camera wasn’t just an object—it was a doorway to adventure. The backyard transformed into a magical world as I looked through the tiny viewfinder and framed my imagination. That simple gift became my first creative tool, and from that day forward, photography became my way of exploring the world and telling stories. It all started with that Brownie camera and a backyard filled with endless possibility.

Although photography had sparked my imagination at such an early age, life took me in different directions for quite some time. As I grew older, I pursued career opportunities that pulled me away from the camera. For years, I didn’t pick one up, caught up in the responsibilities and demands of building a life and a career. But in 2000, something shifted. I realized I was missing an old friend—my camera. There was this undeniable pull to reconnect with that creative part of myself that had been left behind.

I decided to dive back in and acquired a new film camera. Coming with that new camera was a renewed sense of curiosity and excitement. It was like meeting an old friend after years apart—familiar, but with so much more to discover. Relearning the mechanics, the process, and the artistry of photography reignited that spark I’d felt as a child with my Brownie Hawkeye. But now, as an adult, I had a deeper appreciation for how photography could capture not just moments, but emotions, stories, and the passage of time. It felt like coming home.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Rediscovering my creativity through photography was one of the most rewarding experience. Picking up a camera again felt like reconnecting with a piece of my identity I hadn’t realized was missing. There was a deep sense of fulfillment in slowing down, observing the world around me, and translating that into images. It was a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something that’s uniquely yours.

But it wasn’t without its obstacles. Relearning the craft after so many years away was humbling. Technology had advanced, and while I started with a film camera to reconnect with the tactile experience I remembered, the world of digital photography was also calling. Balancing the learning curve of new tools with the perfectionism I’d developed over the years was a challenge. There were moments of frustration—rolls of film that didn’t come out as expected, compositions that felt flat, and a nagging self-doubt that whispered, ‘Maybe you’ve lost your touch’ and ‘you’re too old to learn this all over.’

Also trying to carve out time for creativity in a busy life wasn’t easy. Between work and other responsibilities, prioritizing photography felt selfish at first. But the more I allowed myself to be in that space, the more I realized how essential it was for my well-being. Those obstacles became part of the process—reminders to embrace imperfection, to be patient with myself, and to lean into the learning. Each challenge made the reward of creating something meaningful even sweeter.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, my work embraces kitsch and camp as a way to explore and expose the contradictions and ironies of today’s society. My creative journey is rooted in storytelling, questioning what we see as “normal” and challenging fixed ideas about identity. I’m especially drawn to installation art because it allows me to break down the traditional boundaries between high culture and pop culture. By creating interactive, immersive spaces, I give my audience a chance to step into the narrative and experience something beyond a simple photograph.

Much of my work plays with familiar icons—whether they’re pop figures, political personas, or beloved childhood characters—to reflect on how identity is often depersonalized in modern life. My goal is to invite the audience down the rabbit hole into a world of camp, pop culture, and even the surreal tropes of horror films. Through vibrant, cinematic imagery, I reimagine the ordinary and give it an extraordinary twist, challenging viewers to see the familiar in new and unexpected ways.

What drives my work is the desire to uncover stories hidden in plain sight—whether it’s the mystery in someone’s eyes, the rituals of our daily lives, or the traditions we carry forward in modern celebrations. I use color, light, and contrast to draw people into these narratives, evoking emotion and encouraging curiosity. My creative practice spans a wide range of mediums—film photography, video, sculpture, installations, performance, and more—all of which I combine to create layered stories that mix fact with fantasy.

For me, art has no rules. This philosophy fuels my constant experimentation, pushing the boundaries of what photography and art can be. I don’t just question the limitations of traditional photography—I challenge them. Whether it’s breaking free of the flat, two-dimensional frame or incorporating unexpected materials and technologies, I strive to create work that redefines what art can look like and how it can be experienced.

At the heart of it all, my goal is to connect—to bring a sense of wonder and vibrancy to life, while giving viewers the chance to discover something new, intriguing, and meaningful. Through this lens, I invite others to join me on a creative adventure where imagination takes center stage, and where every story has the potential to surprise, inspire, and challenge.

My “Madame B’s Tarot Reading” series has been an incredibly fulfilling project for me, blending my love of storytelling, photography, and camp. Inspired by the rich symbolism of the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the series reimagines these classic archetypes through a playful yet thought-provoking lens, with myself as the central figure in each card. This work celebrates the power of self-expression while embracing the theatricality of kitsch and camp, creating a unique blend of humor, mystery, and personal commentary.

I’m honored that this series has received significant recognition. It was highlighted as an honorable mention in the prestigious 19th Pollux Awards, an acknowledgment that affirmed the impact of this creative exploration. The work has also been showcased in public displays in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Miami, where it reached diverse audiences and sparked conversations about the intersections of art, identity, and narrative.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share that my “after” series will be part of the 8th Foto Biennial in 2025, an event that gathers some of the most compelling voices in contemporary photography from around the world. This invitation is a testament of how my storytelling resonates across cultures and provokes thought about the stories we tell and the roles we play. Being able to share this project in such esteemed spaces inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and creating work that invites viewers to step into the whimsical and the extraordinary.

A new chapter in my creative journey is being a part of J-Squared Atelier. It has been incredibly exciting and fulfilling to be building J-Squared Atelier as more than just a gallery and studio—it will be a space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Partnering with Jeff Snyder, we are creating an environment in Palm Springs that bridges the gap between art and community, welcoming artists and art enthusiasts alike to engage with creativity on a deeper level. Whether it’s through exhibitions, workshops, or artist talks, our goal is to make art accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone who walks through our doors.

As part of this mission, we have launched “Lattes & Art”, a podcast that dives into the world of contemporary art and the incredible stories behind it. As both an artist and curator, I’ve always been fascinated by the personal journeys that lead people to create. The podcast provides a platform for these conversations, featuring interviews with emerging and established artists, curators, art critics, and others shaping the art world today.

What I love most about the podcast is how it connects people—listeners get a front-row seat to the creative process, and our guests have the chance to share their stories in a way that’s personal and authentic. Topics range from the practical, like the creative process and navigating the art market, to the philosophical, like how art reflects our identities and challenges societal norms. Whether it’s a deep dive into film photography or a lively discussion about Banksy, every episode is designed to spark curiosity and conversation.

Both J-Squared Atelier and “Lattes & Art” are about creating spaces—physical and digital—that bring people together through the shared love of art. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these projects inspire others to explore their own creativity and connect with the world of art in meaningful ways. This work continues to motivate me, and I’m excited to see where it will take us next.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve found that the best mentors are the ones whose work and values really resonate with you. It’s not just about their success; it’s about how they approach challenges and whether you feel inspired by their journey. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be meaningful. Some of the best advice I’ve ever received came from casual conversations with peers or people I looked up to. Even a single piece of thoughtful guidance can make a huge impact.

Always be open to mentorship in unexpected places. You never know when someone will come into your life who can offer a perspective that shifts everything for you. And when that happens, don’t hesitate to reach out—you might just find someone who can guide you in ways you never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jameswilliammoore.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_jwmartist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwmartist
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jwmartist?si=vWylZAzOVJ99N89_

Image Credits
James William Moore