It was such a pleasure to be invited to my second group exhibition with Compound Gallery, Portland, USA. Why would I miss the fun? So I took 4 days off last week to visit my friend Kenneth in Seattle, and also to drink in all the festivities in Portland.

The opening was of course packed as usual. It was such a treat to meet other Vancouver artists in Portland–how strange! I met the talented and oh-so-friendly Sleepless Kao and Caroline Weaver. It was great to connect with other artists! Afterwards we went to the after party, and danced till 2am! I don’t remember the last time I went dancing!? Sorry, I was too busy having fun, so there’s no images of the after party or dancing. If you want to see me dance, you may have to take me out…

Matt the gallery curator was oh-so-nice and took me out for lunch the day after. He took me to his favourite place that looks like a 1950′s laundry room. And the club sandwich was delicious! Great recommendation Matt, and thanks for the lunch!

I played tourist (I was!) with Kenneth in Seattle on my (sadly) last day of the trip. We went to Frye Art Museum in the morning. Kenneth had brought his paper to read “in case he has nothing to do there.” I very soon confiscated his paper, and we spent a delightful time in the museum. In the video interview “Tim Rollins and K.O.S. in Conversation with the Bronx Museum Teen Council”, I heard something that hit me:

“Young people are afraid of successes, because with it comes responsibility. It’s much easier to fail, because you can be laid back and relax.”

“It’s very different to actively create something, rather than passively consume.”

Did you choose success or failure? Are you creating or consuming?

I love our afternoon when we strolled along Alki Beach for three hours, from daylight till dusk. It was such a precious spot! I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Seattle and Portland!