Born and raised in Arkansas, J. Michael Walker came to Los Angeles by way of Mexico —
a critical stopover that not only “explained” L.A. to him - its historical, thriving roots churning beneath the asphalt -
but also provided the foundation for much, if not all, of his work ever since.
Over the past 25 years, J. Michael has participated in more than one hundred exhibitions; received a dozen grants, fellowships,
and artist residencies (Most recently to Bahia, Brazil); and has enjoyed a dozen solo shows in both the United States and Mexico.
His first book, All the Saints of the City of the Angels: Seeking the Soul of L.A. on Its Streets (Heyday, 2008)
is in its second printing.
J Michael is working on an anthology of essays about Guadalajara and its famed international book fair, the FIL,by Angeleno writers -
a book he is both co-editing (with Veronique de Turenne), illustrating, and designing (Peregrino Press, fall 2010).
