On Being an Art Person

I don’t consider myself an artist*. Yet, I constantly find myself immersed in the Portland art scene, in some capacity. From volunteering with the Big Institutions to bringing visibility to a museum board, attending the small shows to dating the gallery guys… here I am.

Art People constantly ask what my angle is — am I an artist? A collector? Or… what?

As I brace myself to man the ropes behind the curtains of Portland’s first Converge 45 event this weekend, I wanted to assess my answer to that question.

Well, this post started as something entirely different (and that one will come out, later). But I had to write this post first.

I had to write this post first because just last night, someone told me I should write what I want — not think about how people will perceive it. Or more importantly, don’t worry how people will perceive me. (I’d never want to get cast off as yet another Carrie Bradshaw wannabe, or a drop in the big ol’ #Wanderlust Travel Blogger bucket. Writing can be so self-gratifying, can’t it? I don’t want to come off as a Special Snowflake… Heavens, no.)

I have no delusions of grandeur. We all have stories to tell.

But I’m an eternal optimist, and I latch onto the slightest bit of encouragement. (Plus, I love to tell stories.)

Perhaps what I love so much about Portland is just that: eternal optimism, that persisting creativity that keeps Art — this unattainable and undefinable thing in so many cities — totally approachable, here.

I was fortunate enough to have parents that worked in downtown Chicago: art fairs were par for the course, museums were a regular weekend activity. Crafts were a typical childhood hobby. I’ve dressed myself since preschool (when late-80’s/early-90’s teen icons were particularly colorful role models)…

Expression is relative.

Since moving to Portland 3 years ago, I’ve attended a clay monster-making workshop, explored gallery tours and happy hours, perused First Thursdays, volunteered at countless galas and fundraisers and workshops in the Art Scene. The Portland Instagram Group is ridiculously vibrant, and has literally changed the lens I view the world through every day. Nearly everyone I know is passionately creative about something, or many things.

What I’m saying is this: Art is whatever you make it. I don’t imagine I’m the first person to say that, but I’m the only person with my unique perspective on it. Portland will forever be special to me for encouraging the innately expressive spirit in anyone who cares to explore it.

We all have stories to tell. We all love a good story, and luckily Portland is full of good ones.

Art isn’t sacred, it’s not inherited magic. And artists aren’t driven by mediums; every artist I know (and support), is unique in their capacity to recognize and encourage art in the lives of others.

Expression is relative.

So, I had to write this post first. Partially to explore my own perspective (maybe a little self-gratifying), partially to thank the creative spirits who’ve fueled my own (should they happen to see this), and partially to express myself (isn’t that what art is about?).

*I am a content strategy professional based in Portland, Oregon. I help brands plan, organize, create, produce and maintain information across channels to deliver great customer experiences. I’m a Creative Person, I guess.