His work has been greatly informed by oral traditions in literature, music, and the Black Arts Movement. J. Otis' first art form was theater; his current art form is improviXing life. He has made and found work for almost six decades as an actor, writer, performance artist, television /radio/ stage producer, cultural worker, educator, philosopher, curator, mentor, arts administrator, Open Space Technology facilitator and consultant. Powell studied creative writing with nonfiction writer Gloria Anzaldua and performance poetry with Quincy Troupe. He has been the recipient of a Loft Creative Nonfiction Award, various Jerome Foundation grants, and an Intermedia Arts Interdisciplinary McKnight Fellowship, among other awards."