scrapperstown: The Oregonian Gentleman

The first Oregonian Gentlemen I ever met were my swim coach, my dad and my mom's friend Randy. They were all bearded and balding. To have a beard and a bald spot implies a lot about a man. For example, he probably cries at the movies, is good with dogs, can change a tire, goes fishing and can split a cord of wood.

These guys inspired me to be the man I am today. In their honor I have had an art show titled The Oregonian Gentleman's Club, written a manifesto for how to be like them and am releasing a line of patches and toys next month. I did all this to remind you that we can be better people.

Available at the San Diego Comic Con
in booth booth #5036
along with the Grass Hut crew
(Bwana Spoons, Martin Ontiveros, Le Merde and maybe some Apak)
After the convention check my Etsy account to get ahold of one.

The Oregonian
Gentleman's Club

The Oregonian Gentleman speaks loudest through his actions. He tips street musicians. He offers bubble gum and tobacco to strangers. He picks up your jacket when it falls off the chair. He jumps into freezing rivers to save injured animals. He handwrites letters to friends and family. Even his presence on the downtown bus causes you to tingle with comfort, glad that he is there.

The Oregonian Gentleman is sensitive. Of course he cries at movies like the rest of us, but his version of sensitivity is more like a hunter’s sixth sense. He stays alert, wide-eyed, ear to the tree and hand on the ground. He is sensitive to every breath and branch snap. Like a good naturalist or artist, the Oregonian Gentleman stays in touch and digs his roots deeper with every consideration.

The Oregonian Gentleman is kind. His generosity knows no limit, often letting others take credit for his good deeds by signing their names into the work he crafted by tooth and nail. It is a unique sort of selflessness that allows the man to give and forgive without any hope of an exchange.

The Oregonian Gentleman is resourceful. Living closer to the environment than most of us, he knows that resources are limited. To live within nature's obvious boundaries he salvages all that he can and reuses it. Often he resembles a beaver or a squirrel due to his so-called “junk collection”. To this he only shakes his head, smiles and say’s “I can’t believe they threw this away”.

The Oregonian Gentleman is strong. If he has muscle it’s only because he commutes by bicycle, turns wrenches, or swings an axe. His willpower gives him the strength to move mountains, dam rivers, build homes and repair things with duct tape.

The Oregonian Gentleman is not hungry. He is content, satisfied with his own life, balanced and humble. The Gentleman never begs, but he is courteous enough to say “please pass the butter”.