Working with Paige Pettibon at the Seattle Kraken Iceplex

In 2021 I was contacted by Tacoma based Paige Pettibon and The Starbucks Art Program about a unique project at The Seattle Kraken training facility and community ice rink in North Seattle. Paige is a classically trained multi-media Coast Salish artist of Salish-Kootenai decent. Her form line designs are proprietary to her practice, traditions, and ancestral lineage. She and the design team at Starbucks wanted to make sure that her artwork was translated to mural form with respect and accuracy. After an up-front interview about the importance of preserving the authenticity of Indigenous Art, Paige put her trust in me and I was commissioned to execute two pieces for her on location. I found her to be incredibly earnest and I am honored to have been able to contribute to her portfolio. She came to the site a couple times so we could get to know each other where I promptly encouraged her to pick up a brush and join me in the process. I was pleased that she did not hesitate. It was here that I was able to share some of my technique with her which she craftily put into her metaphorical toolbox. Today she is a full fledged and highly sought after muralist and rightly so. Paige’s art is full of storytelling and intent, and the world is a better place with her murals in it.