From the
Editor
Robin Bishop
As I attempt to capture my feelings and thoughts in this , my introduction to you , I find I am at a loss . Coffee mug in hand , sun on my face , surrounded by all my mojo-creating favorites , I suddenly draw a blank . What is it I want to impart ? How do I express what I can ’ t even describe myself ? Release the breath I find I ’ m holding and start with the basics , I guess .
My name is Robin Bishop . Raised in the gorgeous Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana , I moved to “ the city ” ( Spokane , Washington ) in 1987 exactly one month after high school graduation . Full of dreams and aspirations to become a highpowered attorney , I soon found those dreams deflating . I jumped into what would become a jack-of-all-trades type of career , while my husband and I navigated the intricacies of raising three incredible humans .
ISSUE No . 34
Professionally , over the past 35 years I have filled the gaps . I ’ ve done everything from wedding and event planning to corporate executive roles in communication , development , and sales , but as humans typically do , I found true fulfillment when I pivoted to my true passion . Come to find out , it wasn ’ t a magic “ gap ” I needed to fill . It was just existing in my creative reality . I had not found fulfillment in my prior positions because I was working outside my true self . I am a creative being that thrives on change , challenge , and a healthy dose of chaos . However , helping others navigate life through creative solutions and sharing their stories through fresh eyes has been food for my soul .
Once I owned this reality , I pursued and accomplished a life-long dream of completing my degree . I received a Professional and Creative Writing degree from Central Washington University , and within two years went back for a graduate degree in Organizational and Change Leadership from Gonzaga University . While these fields seem very different , this combination has led me to exactly where I am now . Because I thrive on change and see endless possibility in every roadblock and adversity , leading others through these periods — to see new vision — to embrace the unknown — is where I have realized I am at my best . I ’ m not in this world to conquer the corporate ladder . I ’ m in this world to help others see its beauty , taste its goodness , feel its heartbreak and joy , and maybe to help others try on a couple of different lenses through which to see this crazy life we live .
Stepping into a leadership role with the amazing team here at Art Chowder is such an honor — a bit of a daunting venture , if I ’ m being honest , but also an incredible opportunity to explore new possibilities for sharing the arts . I am eager to work with the talented Art Chowder team , you our readers , and the artists of every creative medium we are honored to highlight . Through this fusion of marvelousness , we are committed to introducing you to the flavors , sights , sounds , beats , and treats that life in the Northwest has to offer . I hope you ’ ll join us for the ride and stay tuned for new things to come .
In this issue , we have an insider ’ s insights to the renovation of the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane . We are featuring the artistic whimsy of Kay O ’ Rourke ( front cover art ), the deep depictions of Robert Krogle , the graphic storytelling of Derrick Freeland , and so much more . Enjoy .
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