Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with James William Moore of Palm Springs

We’re looking forward to introducing you to James William Moore. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning James William, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning from my students. I teach college courses in Photography and Art History, and there’s something incredibly energizing about watching students discover something for the first time—whether it’s an unexpected detail in a historical artwork, a technical breakthrough with their camera, or the realization that they’ve fallen in love with the creative process. Their excitement reminds me what a gift it is to approach the world with curiosity. That sense of innocence in learning—of being open, surprised, and delighted—is something I try to hold onto in my own practice. They remind me daily that we never outgrow the joy of discovery.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m James William Moore—an artist, educator, and co-founder of J-Squared Atelier, a creative venture built around the belief that art should be accessible, inspiring, and rooted in community. Right now, we’re in the exciting process of opening a gallery and learning space in Palm Springs. Our vision is to create a space that not only showcases established and globally recognized artists, but also uplifts emerging voices who are just beginning to define their creative path.

Education is at the heart of what I do, which is why J-Squared Atelier also produces two podcasts. Lattes & Art offers conversations with contemporary artists about where creativity comes from, while Art Happens: The Divine Mess of Art History dives into the wonderfully chaotic stories behind the art world. Together, they create an accessible entry point for anyone curious about art—whether you’re a seasoned collector, a student, or someone who just loves a good story.

Everything we’re building stems from a passion for community, learning, and the belief that creativity thrives when people feel welcomed into the conversation.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
What’s a moment that helped shape how I see the world?

When I was four years old, my mum handed me her old Brownie camera. We had just moved into a new house, and she was trying to unpack—so really, she just needed me out of her hair. I wandered into our new backyard with that camera, and suddenly everything became an adventure. Through that tiny square viewfinder, ordinary things—trees, shadows, the neighbor’s fence—turned into fantastical stories waiting to be told.

Looking back, I realize that moment shaped everything. That simple act of being given a camera taught me how to see the world, not just look at it. As I grew, the lens became a way of moving through life: discovering new places, meeting people on the street, capturing moments of joy and connection—and, sometimes, moments of loss.

Photography became both a companion and a teacher. It showed me that what we choose to frame says as much about us as it does about the world in front of us. That early experience didn’t just spark my love of image-making; it taught me that I’m an active participant in the story I’m telling. And I think I’ve been following that lesson ever since.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this:
Be gentle with yourself. I know the struggles feel endless right now—and yes, there will be plenty more along the way. But none of them mean you’re broken. Feeling different, feeling like you don’t quite fit anywhere… that isn’t a flaw. It’s the beginning of who you’re becoming.

You don’t see it yet, but the very things that make you feel out of place will become the things that give you perspective, creativity, empathy, and strength. You’re going to build a life where “different” isn’t something to hide—it’s something to celebrate. And every time the world tries to tell you which box you belong in, remember this: you get to define your own story. And you’re going to make something beautiful out of all of it.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of me the real me?

Yes—but with an asterisk.

I’m the same person in public that I am in private, but that doesn’t mean people always see me clearly. I created a self-portrait series called Who You Think I Am, which came directly from this tension. The work explored the gap between how I understand myself and the narratives others project onto me. Over the years, I’ve been accused of attacking religion, of being a drunk, of hiding behind masks—interpretations that say more about the viewer than about me.

I understand why some people latch onto those readings, but that doesn’t make them accurate. And honestly? I’ve never been someone who worries much about what others think. I don’t control the stories people tell about me; I only control the story I’m living. If someone insists on seeing me through a distorted lens, that’s theirs to hold, not mine.

So yes, the public version of me is the real me. But the way people interpret that version is ultimately out of my hands—and I’m perfectly at peace with that.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell is that I made space—for creativity, for curiosity, for people to feel seen. I don’t need to be remembered as someone who got everything right, or who had all the answers. I’d rather be remembered as someone who encouraged others to ask better questions, to look a little closer, to find beauty in the messy parts of the world and in themselves.

I hope they say I helped build community, that I opened doors instead of closing them, and that I believed in artists—especially the ones just finding their voices. And if they remember anything about my art, I hope it’s that I wasn’t afraid to be honest, playful, or a little campy when the moment called for it. That I showed up as myself, and tried to give others permission to do the same.

More than anything, I hope the story is simple:
He left behind a trail of good stories, bold images, and some delightful chaos.

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Image Credits
All images by James William Moore

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