The Not so Magic Skagit.

An aggressively bold statement, but one based in my current reality and understanding of the history and current climate. I grew up here, the Skagit is my home. I’ve lived in Laconner, Mount Vernon and Bow. My memories are one of attending arts alive art walks, going to smith and valley gallery and buying art supplies at Dakota art store. It wasent till graduating with my degree in graphic design and moving back to the valley that I took to the outdoors. Quickly finding something i never knew I needed within my practise conflict.

Not much longer, I was told about a park i needed to paint at, Craft Island a location containing my beginning success, and a history and culturre directly tied to my practise.

Craft island quickly became a favorite spot, doing at least 70 paintings there including my largest at the time a 2×4 foot. That piece selling for the price It did justified so much of my work and direction, learning some of the fish town history only enhanced that. I was literally creating art in the same area that others had before me. I had found the same magic that they found.

there was always an observed separation in the art culture in the valley. Even from gwllery to gallery you could see the differnce in quality and commitment and relevance.