Welcome
I am a son of the Mississippi River. My life and work are shaped by three cities that trace its course: Hayti, Memphis, and New Orleans. From these waters, I carry stories of survival, discovery, and belonging.
Writing
I write poetry, essays, and memoir rooted in the Mississippi Delta and the American South. Published in Reckon Review, The Christian Century, Blueline Magaizne, the Queen's Review, and more. Longlisted by Kristen Arnett, The World's Greatest Short Story, Southeast Review.
VISUAL ART
Witnesses • The Contested Seat
Large-scale charcoal and pastal drawings exploring memory, place, inheritance, and place.
Photography
The Sound of Rooms • Living Streets
Archival pigment photography documenting New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta. Capturing New Olreans street life, rural life, sacraed spaces, and the culture of American music.
Join Rooted & Refined Letters
Letters of prose and photographs, shaped by the textures of city streets, memory, and the mundane. It is an invitation to slow down, notice beauty, and discover beauty in unexpected places.
Contact Me
Questions or Comments?
Whether you're interested in the work, an exhibition, a reading, or a conversation, I would be glad to hear from you.
Copyright © 2026 J. R. Welch — Rooted & Refined™ - All Rights Reserved.
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