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John Michael Byrd holds an MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst and is also an alumnus of Louisiana State University, with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. He is primarily a painter, but has also worked in drawing, collage, objects, performance and printmaking. John Michael’s work has been featured in numerous regional and national exhibitions, and he has mounted almost a dozen solo exhibitions in Louisiana, Oregon, Massachusetts and New York. Also, he has been awarded several grants and scholarships, including the J. Kenneth Edmiston Memorial Scholarship and the Carl M. Thorp Memorial Art Scholarship. His work can be seen in the pages of: The Oxford American Magazine, Studio Visit Magazine, Hyperallergic, The Sewers of Paris, Painters on Painting, Kolaj Magazine, The Tulane Review, The Manifest Annual, WordSmiths Literary Review, DIALOGIST, Starry Night Programs Artists To Look Out For, Fresh Paint Magazine, CountryRoads Magazine, Together Underground, 21st Century Queer Artists Identify Themselves, Art Business News, 225 Magazine, The J.O.S.H., The Ivory Tower Magazine and The Advocate. John Michael Byrd’s work is focused on absurdity and the uncanny, in an attempt to resolve the gap between the artificial and the real, juxtaposing appropriated imagery in various media. John Michael works as an Academic Advisor at SVA and is constantly painting, writing and reading Tarot cards in his spare time.
Published on March 2nd, 2026. Artist responses collected in months previous.
Was pursuing your creative work a calling for you? How do you define calling within your practice? Share a concise definition and a moment when this felt most true.
I wouldn’t necessarily call my creative work a calling, but it definitely feels like it chooses me. I’m really passionate about the process of bringing my unconscious thoughts and feelings into the light of consciousness. Because of this, my artwork often incorporates dreams and coded images, which viewers have said give it a mystical vibe—something I find so intriguing. Recently, I was excited to be part of a show curated by a long-time friend and fellow artist. During our chat about one of my pieces, I shared some insights about where the inspiration came from. To my surprise, she brought up a childhood memory we both experienced, one I had almost forgotten! It was such a lovely validation that we were both right in our reflections about the artwork. I really enjoy those synchronicities.
What does a successful career in the arts look like to you today? Describe how you measure success now and note any shifts from earlier in your career.
Early in my career, I gained a lot of exposure, participated in numerous shows, and received recognition, which was nice. However, I now believe that adhering to your own voice and continuing to create despite setbacks is truly admirable. My intention is to develop a singular voice, and maintaining that focus is what I consider success. I have great admiration for anyone who has been in the industry for a long time, as it truly requires perseverance and determination.
How are you kind to yourself in your art practice? (Include one or two concrete examples such as boundaries, rest, or studio routines.)
As an artist, embracing kindness towards yourself is crucial. I've learned to shed self-criticism, especially when diving into new projects that require new skills. One of my key practices has been allowing myself the freedom to create “bad art.” In the past, I rushed to finish projects, but now, unless I’m facing a concrete deadline, I let my work marinate, giving it the time it needs. I've also found that avoiding comparisons to other artists or their studios significantly improves my creative process. If I want to paint in my pajamas, I do it. If short spurts of work followed by writing are what I need, I embrace that too. Whatever it takes, by hook or by crook. A pivotal moment for me has been recognizing that being hard on myself only hampers fulfillment and productivity. Aging has brought this clarity, and it's transformed how I approach my art.
What impact do you hope your work has on others? Name the response you hope to spark and who you most want to reach.
I aspire to bring laughter and joy to people. As someone who identifies as nontraditional, I often feel like a big queerdo and sometimes outnumbered. We must find humor in the absurdity of life, being human, and being spiritual beings. Living in a body and in this country can be a complex experience. Clowns reveal uncomfortable truths by acting as fools, using their childlike innocence to expose hypocrisy and phony behavior. As a passionate Tarot reader, I strive to encourage viewers to see reality from a slightly different perspective when they stand before it.
Do you have any rituals or spiritual practices that you integrate into your daily life as an artist? If relevant, mention frequency, timing, or how the practice supports your work.
My entire artistic practice is a spiritual practice. I consider my studio a living, breathing altar to the universe. I light candles, meditate, collect totems, write, and use ringing bells and singing bowls to shift the vibrations of the space. I also believe that reading is a significant part of this, as well as my tarot practice, which influences the energy of my work. Even taking a short nap can rejuvenate my creativity. If I feel stuck, I take a moment to breathe and sit quietly until calmness fuels me to move on to the next step. I like to think that good timing guides me.
Was pursuing your creative work a calling for you? How do you define calling within your practice? Share a concise definition and a moment when this felt most true.
I wouldn’t necessarily call my creative work a calling, but it definitely feels like it chooses me. I’m really passionate about the process of bringing my unconscious thoughts and feelings into the light of consciousness. Because of this, my artwork often incorporates dreams and coded images, which viewers have said give it a mystical vibe—something I find so intriguing. Recently, I was excited to be part of a show curated by a long-time friend and fellow artist. During our chat about one of my pieces, I shared some insights about where the inspiration came from. To my surprise, she brought up a childhood memory we both experienced, one I had almost forgotten! It was such a lovely validation that we were both right in our reflections about the artwork. I really enjoy those synchronicities.
What does a successful career in the arts look like to you today? Describe how you measure success now and note any shifts from earlier in your career.
Early in my career, I gained a lot of exposure, participated in numerous shows, and received recognition, which was nice. However, I now believe that adhering to your own voice and continuing to create despite setbacks is truly admirable. My intention is to develop a singular voice, and maintaining that focus is what I consider success. I have great admiration for anyone who has been in the industry for a long time, as it truly requires perseverance and determination.
How are you kind to yourself in your art practice? (Include one or two concrete examples such as boundaries, rest, or studio routines.)
As an artist, embracing kindness towards yourself is crucial. I've learned to shed self-criticism, especially when diving into new projects that require new skills. One of my key practices has been allowing myself the freedom to create “bad art.” In the past, I rushed to finish projects, but now, unless I’m facing a concrete deadline, I let my work marinate, giving it the time it needs. I've also found that avoiding comparisons to other artists or their studios significantly improves my creative process. If I want to paint in my pajamas, I do it. If short spurts of work followed by writing are what I need, I embrace that too. Whatever it takes, by hook or by crook. A pivotal moment for me has been recognizing that being hard on myself only hampers fulfillment and productivity. Aging has brought this clarity, and it's transformed how I approach my art.
What impact do you hope your work has on others? Name the response you hope to spark and who you most want to reach.
I aspire to bring laughter and joy to people. As someone who identifies as nontraditional, I often feel like a big queerdo and sometimes outnumbered. We must find humor in the absurdity of life, being human, and being spiritual beings. Living in a body and in this country can be a complex experience. Clowns reveal uncomfortable truths by acting as fools, using their childlike innocence to expose hypocrisy and phony behavior. As a passionate Tarot reader, I strive to encourage viewers to see reality from a slightly different perspective when they stand before it.
Do you have any rituals or spiritual practices that you integrate into your daily life as an artist? If relevant, mention frequency, timing, or how the practice supports your work.
My entire artistic practice is a spiritual practice. I consider my studio a living, breathing altar to the universe. I light candles, meditate, collect totems, write, and use ringing bells and singing bowls to shift the vibrations of the space. I also believe that reading is a significant part of this, as well as my tarot practice, which influences the energy of my work. Even taking a short nap can rejuvenate my creativity. If I feel stuck, I take a moment to breathe and sit quietly until calmness fuels me to move on to the next step. I like to think that good timing guides me.
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