We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jim R. Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jim R., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When I walk out the front door of my house every day I am taking a risk!
Why shouldn’t we take risk in our art?
WE SHOULD otherwise nothing will change in your life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With a passion ignited during my time at NYU studying Film Production, I embarked on a journey to explore the intricacies of directing. Recognizing the importance of effective communication with actors, I delved into the realms of acting and movement, immersing myself in the study of mime and physical theater. Over the course of five years, I honed my understanding of these disciplines, seeking to enrich my directorial capabilities. Venturing into the vibrant street performing scenes of cities like NYC, New Orleans, Houston, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels,

I embraced a hands-on approach to my craft. Engaging with diverse audiences and refining my skills through residencies at both college and elementary levels, I cultivated a deep appreciation for the art of performance.

However, it was through the lens of my camera that I discovered my true calling. Capturing the essence of performing artists became my newfound passion, leading me to transition into a career as a documentarian. For the past four decades, I have dedicated myself to preserving the essence of the ‘eccentric’ performing arts through my photography. My contributions have been recognized on various platforms, including the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Man on Wire’ and two prestigious exhibits at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. My work has graced the pages of numerous publications worldwide, alongside the publication of two acclaimed books: ‘Moore/Photographs’ in 1989, featured in The Mime Journal, and ‘Don’t Miss This! A Decade of Eccentric Performing Arts’ in 2022.

To perpetuate the mythology of eccentric performing arts and my work, I began a blog ~ Vaudevisuals.com ~ where I posted my photography and video interviews with performers. Now in its 15th year, it has become a ‘go-to’ source for anyone seeking the visual history of the eccentric performing arts.

Driven by a desire to amplify the voices of diverse performing arts communities, I have recently founded two publishing imprints.
Vaudevisuals Press LLC
Outside Talker Press
Through these ventures, I aim to celebrate the rich tapestry of performing arts, focusing on circus and sideshow genres.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a photographer, I’ve always been captivated by individuals’ boundless creativity and its profound influence on the artistic process.

When individuals choose to pursue a path as physical performers—whether as mimes, clowns, jugglers, or in any other discipline—they often embark on a journey that involves refining their craft through countless hours of dedication and years of specialized training.

I find this journey of mastery and self-expression deeply inspiring, both for the performers and the audiences they touch.

My work as a photographer is driven by a desire to capture the essence of these performers, to document their artistry and passion in a way that allows them to connect with a broader audience. Through my lens, I aim to showcase their talent, convey the depth of their performances, and ultimately inspire others to embrace their own creativity and pursue their passions.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During my time at mime school, I was certain that this art form would define my life’s journey. As someone inherently shy, I found solace and fulfillment in the solo aspect of mime performance. The meditative nature of the discipline resonated deeply with my personality, making it a natural fit for me.

Yet, alongside my passion for mime, I harbored a profound fascination for photography from a young age. Armed with a camera during my teenage years, I enjoyed capturing moments, especially those shared with my girlfriend. Photography became an integral part of my creative arsenal and a cherished pastime.

After years of dedicated performance as a professional mime in schools and colleges, I realized that I yearned to wield the camera more than I craved the spotlight. While the adulation and applause of a successful performance were undeniably gratifying, I grappled with the decision to transition away from the stage.

The societal reverence bestowed upon performing artists made parting ways with that identity all the more challenging, as it had been a significant factor in my initial career choice.

However, through introspection and deep contemplation, I realized that my heart truly belonged to photography. With unwavering resolve, I made the difficult yet necessary decision to pursue photography full-time, bidding farewell to the stage.
In doing so, I recognized the importance of self-awareness in navigating life’s pivotal junctures.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://vaudevisuals.com
• Instagram: jimrmoore_eccentric
• Twitter: @jimrmoore

Image Credits

©2024 Jim R Moore