Inspirational Quotes by James Broughton (American Poet)

James Broughton (1913–99) was an American poet, filmmaker, and performance artist acclaimed for his avant-garde contributions to the arts.

Born in Modesto, California, Broughton’s early career as a poet featured notable works such as A Long Undressing (1948) and The First Time (1950.) His poetry, often centered on themes of love, sexuality, and the human experience, reflected his bohemian lifestyle and exploration of alternative forms of expression.

In the 1950s, Broughton transitioned to filmmaking, becoming a prominent figure in the San Francisco Renaissance and the emerging West Coast avant-garde film scene. His film The Pleasure Garden (1953) is considered a seminal work, blending surrealism, poetry, and experimental narrative techniques. Broughton’s films celebrated the human body, love, and joy, with a notable emphasis on challenging societal norms.

Throughout his later career, Broughton continued to explore the intersection of poetry and cinema, creating works like High Kukus (1973.) His other publications include 75 Life Lines (1988) and Little Sermons of the Big Joy (1994.)

The documentary Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton (2012) focuses on his life and artistic journey.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James Broughton