What happens when your last name literally predicts your career? For John Murrell, the answer was written on the wall—quite literally. In this captivating conversation, muralist John Murrell shares his remarkable journey from creating tiny, hyper-realistic charcoal drawings shipped in boxes across the country to painting massive 300-foot murals that transform communities throughout southwestern Virginia.

The magic of Murrell's work extends far beyond his technical skill with a spray can. As he dangled from lifts 60 feet in the air to complete his recent ”Welder” mural, what truly shines through is his philosophy about public art as performance. ”I think of being a muralist as almost being a performer,” he explains, describing how the creation process itself becomes part of the artistic experience as onlookers gather to watch him work.

Having taught high school art for nearly a decade, Murrell brings an educator's heart to every wall he paints. There's something profoundly beautiful about his approach to skeptics who question his work—”I think in my head, I'm going to convert you,” he laughs, noting how these same critics often return days later with newfound appreciation. This transformative power of public art speaks to its accessibility; unlike gallery pieces hidden behind admission fees, murals meet people where they are, creating unexpected moments of wonder in everyday spaces.

Perhaps most inspiring is Murrell's vision for the future—telling the rich stories of Appalachia through his art and bringing diverse artistic voices to Roanoke. As the city's public art scene blossoms partly through his advocacy, he's helping craft a visual language that celebrates the region's ”cool fusion of cultures” while making art accessible to everyone.

Check out John's stunning portfolio on Instagram at John M Draws and discover how blank walls become windows into Appalachian storytelling, one spray can at a time.