James Mueller – Absolutely. Improbably. Unconventional.

The Artist Who Chose the Life He Wanted to Paint. James Mueller has lived a life that sounds more like a novel than a résumé. He grew up in the art colony of New Hope, Pennsylvania, became an artist despite being told his strongest aptitude was math, and within a few years was exhibiting internationally – including in Paris. Along the way, he hitchhiked across America, lived in a teepee, worked in military intelligence, guarded Peruvian gold, painted notable figures including President Nixon, and spent decades living and working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and within the Apache community. Today, James is both a fine artist and author. His books – including Confessions of St. Augustine and The Donnie Diaries – combine art, satire, spirituality, and an often dark sense of humor. Perhaps the strangest part of his story? After achieving success in the art world, James eventually chose a deliberately simple, almost monastic life. His philosophy seems to explain it all: "The more tragic, the more inspired I am to write comedy."