This show came about after I was asked by my friends Dylan Jones and Don Hollis to participate in a group show called Release the Kraken at Subtext Gallery in 2011. Back then, I was going to Subtext shows once a month. It was the best party in town. I miss it. Anyway, I painted a Jesus fish for the show, and an another artist in the show named Matt Stallings told me he loved it. I was a big fan of Matt’s work so I couldn't believe he would think that about something I’d done. After that, I just impulsively asked him, an established artist and person I barely knew who had seen a total of 1 (1) painting I’d done, if he’d be interested in doing a whole show together. I think Matt’s response was just like “sounds dope.” We ended up doing 3 shows together. Thank you for letting me ride your coattails, Matt. Oh, I also designed and had a book made to sell, that featured all the pieces in our show. I was working at a book bindery called Clearstory at the time, and I convinced them to print books for free, as they would be good publicity for them. Tee hee. I turned this art show into a whole event with merch that included a 4-color screen print, a burlesque performer walking around in a 1960s swimsuit, my friend Elizabeth playing live flute, and of course, cupcakes. Having never done something like this before, I definitely learned a lot about my craft, but also about promoting and planning an event. I can see the influence of this time in my life as it relates directly to some of the things I do now. When in doubt, just do it anyway.