Description
James Cochran, better known as Jimmy C, is an aerosol artist who played a key role in the development of the underground graffiti movement in Australia during the early 1990s. His work is now recognised around the world.
Walking the Line chronicles his beginnings as an illegal street artist in the late 1980s and early 90s in Adelaide, Australia.
He reflects on how he became obsessed with the underground subculture following the death of his mother in a car accident. Unable to connect with his distant, grieving father, he finds solace and camaraderie in the illicit act of painting in the night.
As his skills develop, his home life crumbles, and the young artist tries to balance his aerosol ambitions with his desire to reconcile with his father.
Walking the Line is an honest and compelling memoir, a moving insight into the mind of a young artist driven to succeed.
Publication date – March 2024
245 pages with 10 page colour inserts
Language – English
Dimensions – 22.8cm x 15cm
Price – £18 ($35 AUD)
Reviews of Walking The Line
Jimmy C’s murals are the best of the best in London’s outdoor gallery. With his book, ‘Walking the Line – A Graffiti Memoir’, he’s sharing again, and his writing is as profound as his art.
The book is a memoir of experiences: risk-taking, walking the line, surviving, feeling alive. You won’t gaze out of a train window passing graffiti by the tracks with the same eyes again!
I was especially impressed by the book’s young voice, capturing the adventure, the camaraderie, the isolation juxtaposed with people who were ‘there’, and how peer pressure played out.
Enjoy the read! It’s a page turner but pause at the oil painting midway, where a sixteen-year old Jimmy has captured himself as a solitary figure sitting in a train carriage, head in hands with light coming through the door. A picture paints a thousand words.
Jackie Clare, June 2024
Co-President – Institute of Tourist Guiding
I read the book twice straight. I think it is a must read for young teens looking for direction in life.
P Thompson, May 2024
Just read your book last night and couldn’t put it down. Im a commercial illustrator/designer and relate so much to your story and finding and following your path.
H Riggs, May 2024
Your story touched my heart and I am teary writing this to you. The book worked on every level, the pace of it and the way it was written was perfect, no gusto, no hype, so authentically written, and so truthful and honest.
I cannot put into words how well this story came across to me. I was with you the whole way experiencing it with you.
T Turner, May 2024
I read your book over the last four days. It was captivating. The writing style, the adventures, your story, picturing events in my mind, but most of all was your story told so well, of youth, sorrow, rebellion, adrenaline, creativity, learning and triumph. Incredible work putting it all together so well. Congratulations.
W. Martin, May 2024
Just wanted to say what a great read your book has been. Three quarters the way through and can’t put it down. Loving it.
Dash, May 2024