Greetings

The other day I ran into two old friends I haven't seen in years (different times, same day). It was strange to tell these long lost drifters of my new found roots planted so very deeply in this place. I've been in an interesting mood ever since. For some reason I can't stop thinking about when I first arrived in this fine city...and the things I fell in love with.The Downtowner Motel - once upon a while ago.

I was searching for the mysterious Tiffany's Roller Skating Rink which I was once informed of by a neighbor (who smoked on my porch every single day). Instead I found this great archive of vintage photos on SportSuburban's photostream. There is a wealth of imagery from Spokane's past on Flicker. Unfortunately none of my rink. I knew this one immediately when I saw it:
I work in a Motel converted office building in the heart of the downtown...Spokane's Davenport district. It was one of Spokane's finest in its day (or so I've heard). Sitting in my 4th floor windowed office I overlook the raised pool planter box. I can't help but wonder what it must have been like.

Will we look back in 40 years and appreciate what surrounded us day to day? Will we be reminded of the good ole days by decaying pieces of our youth tucked deeply into the city around us? Will we sit smoking on the porch reminiscing with the youngsters that flock to us for our wisdom? Will we leave our mark?

such pretty pretty art I see

I'm deep in commission work, painting portraits, t-shirt illustrations, cd and poster designs....not to mention a half made 'alloween costume! Do you get seasonal depression? Jacinda says we are like this every year, though I am not sure. I feel as if my emotions got stored in a pumpkin and rolled down S. Lincoln. It's random though; I am happy a lot too in an insane kind of way.

Enough about me, what about you? ...or maybe NATHAN ELLEFSON?

Terrain 2009. (If you live in Spokane and do not know of such Terrains it's time you jump on the art bus, if you do not reside in Spokane consider this is a free pass for now) This year at Terrain there were (approximately - exacts are difficult) 3,100 attendees, and tons and tons of great local talent. I found my pieces mingling between two of my favorite emerging local artists; one new found and the other a good friend...Nathan Ellefson and Mariko Sullivan.

Oh Nathan...
Our unofficial audience favorite of Terrain 2009: Nate Ellefson. Originally from Richland WA he found his way to the 'Can' via Whitworth Collage where he is studying Printmaking and will be graduating in May this coming year. Crossing my fingers I ventured to ask the golden question...shall you be staying? I got a maybe, as he is still considering Grad School...saying "If I don't get into somewhere I'm excited about I can definitely see myself sticking around." The Printmakers that have been coming out of Whitworth are something to keep your eye on. Nate is only one of several who have my attention.

Email contact info for Nathan is: nellefson10@my.whitworth.edu ...in case you may want to contact him? You can check out his work this coming December 4th at the Caterina Winery along side my old pal Mariko Sullivan's. A perfectly splendid duet put together by Sasha Turner the gallery manager of Caterina.

Oh Mariko....These are two of my favorite images from Mariko's show currently hanging at the Empyrean Coffee House (only for a day or so more though). She found her way to Spokane after attending Evergreen in Olympia studying Art and Writing. I got to know Mariko in a very interesting way this past Spring. Almost complete strangers starting out, we created art together in the kitchen of my very small apt for a show at the very same Empyrean earlier this year. In a way she helped me get comfortable working in front of others. It was a productive yet trying month and I came to LOVE and adore her work from an insiders point of view. I simply cannot wait to see her show at Caterina with Nate. Their characters will hold an intriguing dialog and play well off each other.

You can check out more of Mariko's work in her Carbonmade portfolio at www.MarikoSullivan.carbonmade.com.
If you are an artist and in need of a portfolio check out Carbonmade. It is an extremely simple, uncluttered, easy to use, and free (unless you want the Whoo!) way to show off your work. Dang, that was a lot of love in one sentence. In fact it was Mariko who introduced us...check out mine: www.TiffanyPatterson.carbonmade.com.

It's the real love, I see so in your eyes.

I have pledged my eternal love and dedication to the Ugly Yellows (at least until we repaint).

My partner puts up with a lot. This is our future craft room (first coat of paint). Imagine beautiful dark bamboo floors, clean white molding and thin white cotton curtains with the sun shinning in. I have been cheating on my blog with our new house. It was purchased and then gutted, so I have been a little busy.

We have slowed down and are only visiting the hardware store about 3-4 times a week now. I have developed a slight crush on paint samples. I can't leave without a handful (I have a favorite paint guy too...Tom). Their names make me smile and I dream of having the job of naming paints, finding inspiration in anything and everything. Our living room is Playful Pool, with Sea Tickle for the ceiling (white crown molding to come). The gray in our bathroom is City Storm, and that oh so lovely orangey mustard of the craft room is Golden Avocado. Since I mixed the color for the top wall and ceiling myself (there was no perfect hue) I get to name it....so I am calling it Green Mamba Stellified.

A co-worker introduced me to the music of Ian Brown; of which I am now hopelessly obsessed with his song Stellify (it might also be my new favorite descriptive word). The tune has been looping in my head over and over ever since. Jacinda even caught me full out dancing to it and yelled at me like I was 5 years old..."Tiffany! Stop dancing and go get the extension cord!" I feel like I am 5 a lot. Doo doo doo "I stellify. I'm miles high...Shinning like a diamond in the darkness of the sky. "

a tiny paper box

Here is a sneak peak..... A Million Little Pictures: Documentary Submission for Art House Co-Op:

swimming

My MOO microcards have arrived! Hooray for no longer being the blubbering artist trying to describe my work! My handy pink pocket holder and I are ready for anything!...(uh, I better find that).

I have been holding out writing my post about one of my favorite new and upcoming super young artists. (a mouthful sorry!) I am not prepared enough to do so yet. I am considering interviewing him...or at least making him tell me all the nice things he is up to. So....that is coming!

My brain is stuck and no thoughts can change it's mind. Stop Motion. I have a new love - or rather, an old untested love. I cannot even begin to tell you the magnicifent things that are swimming in my head. For the time I need so badly: you are always just out of reach!

Good'ol Radio

Have a listen to your radio machines tomorrow at 3pm (PST). I am going to be a guest on Bernadette Veilbig's new art show for KYRS Thin Air Community Radio (called Readymade Radio). We will be talking about lovely local art happenings, and how to get started as a new artist in Spokane. You can listen online, or the old fashioned way at 92.3 FM.

Also...a bit of a jump, but you could connect the dots if you so choose.

I really love Craigslist for all of the randomness that resides there. So, if you happen to be a collector of vintage radios in the general Spokane area...and are in need of one (or more) said vintage radios, please call Gerry at (509) 995-4118.

Here is the original post. If this link is bad I apologize...Gerry must have run out of Radios to sell.

I think that people who collect things are most interesting...quite a bit more so than those who do not. Just saying. Have a splendid today!

the info motherload...

Oooh, I have been so busy and not doing my blog...so prepare your self for this one! (I have a lot to cover)



My friend Joe has taken to drawing random things he finds in the woods. You wouldn't know it by meeting him...say at an art opening...but Joe teaches survival for living. He has a talent with sketchbooks, moleskin's to be exact, also ceramics...and he has a thing for Japanese style portraits. Interesting guy all around.

From his sketchbook blog Yard Ape, I discovered The art house co-op. (he has an amazing portfolio on there)

Art House creates massive, nationwide art projects that tie hundreds of artists together – and anyone can participate. I am currently working on the 'A Million Little Pictures: Documentary', and the 'Sketchbook project'.


I got my camera the other day...I have only taken one of my 24 photos. It was of Beth from Pedals 2 People standing in bicycle tires up to her waste, holding a wheel (I guess you will just have to see it to understand). I will post the entire (24 photo) submission when I finally finish it...I am so nervous. It is hard to imagine taking 24 perfect photos with no mess ups on a disposable camera!

Tonight is the FBC's Knog ride. There will be over a hundred people meeting at the Swamp to drink some beers, win Knog goodies, and then take a bicycle ride to an undisclosed location. Knog will be taking a photo of us (real people on real bikes) for their new promotional book. What a great excuse to use up another of my photos.

I can't even wait to see the Spoke Card for tonight. Jeff has always done such a great job on them. For every FBC ride there is a new spoke card. Jon Snyder head of Out There Monthly (running for Spokane City Council) most likely will be there giving out his spoke cards (that I illustrated)...and tonight, and only tonight - I will have my very own, limited addition (of 24) spoke cards!

Here is a sneak preview!...thank you Jacinda for laminating them while I am at work! ♥
p.s. please do not use the images....24 ONLY!

Today, there are no words.

I felt like sharing, but not with words today.

This is my piece: The Ocean is a Liar.