October 22, 2025

If my last post was about being tested by chaos, this one’s about choosing to chase rhythm instead.

Tapping Out of the Chaos

The past couple of months at Khan Gallery have been a wild ride, but not the fun kind. I gave it my all—55 days in when I last wrote, and now I’m past my self-imposed 90-day checkpoint. The verdict? I’m tapping out. The unpredictable days, the endless pivots—build a wall, tear it down, build a shorter one for no clear reason—have left me drained. I’m a systems and strategy guy. I thrive on clarity: who, what, why, where, when, how much. Without that, I’m just spinning my wheels, and it’s spilling into my art, my energy, my everything.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for the paycheck that’s kept rent off my mind. But a job that feels like a daily improvisation with no script? That’s not me. I need a role where I can count on the plan, where the team knows the direction we’re heading and why we’re damn good at what we do. I’m craving a leader with vision, purpose, and intention—someone building something meaningful, not just making it up as they go.

Tacoma, My Home

Through all this, one thing hasn’t wavered: my love for Tacoma. This city wraps me in “welcome home” vibes every single day. From the waterfront to the gritty charm of Commencement Bay, there’s something about this place that feels right, even when work feels wrong. I moved here at 34 to build a life with a solid foundation—one that supports my health, creativity, and joy. I’m not questioning Tacoma; I’m all in. I’m here. I’m here. I’m here.

The Search for Rhythm

So, I’ve made the call: I’m looking for a new job, one that brings consistency and flow. I’m leaning toward screen printing or sign/sticker production—roles where I can use my hands, my skills, and my knack for adding value. I’ve got experience in these areas, and they feel like a natural fit. Ideally, I’d love a schedule with full days on Monday and Tuesday, then early mornings (5 AM to noon) Wednesday through Friday. That way, I can spend afternoons at my studio, Urban Muse & Sultry Hues, creating without stress weighing me down.

Because here’s the truth: making art is why I’m here. When I can’t paint whimsical architecture drawings or splash watercolors from a carefree place, it feels like part of me is suffocating. My studio at Sanford and Son Antiques is my haven, my reset, my magic. It’s not profitable yet, but it’s life-giving. I need a job that supports that spark, not snuffs it out.

Resisting the Shiny Objects

Part of me is tempted to dive headfirst into a new art business—fundraise, go full-time, chase the dream. But I’ve been down that road before, and right now, it feels like chasing shiny objects. My ideas are whimsical, foggy, and lack the clarity I’m craving. I’ve got small tweaks of things I’d do differently, but nothing solid enough to bet on. Instead, I’m focusing on finding a steady role that lets me build a life of long-term health, creativity, and meaning. No reckless leaps—just intentional steps.

Building Something Meaningful

I don’t know yet who needs my skills as much as I need their clarity, but I’m out here looking. I’m reaching out to local businesses hoping to find a team that’s building with purpose. If you’re in Tacoma and this resonates—whether you’re a creative, a business owner, or just someone chasing meaning—let’s connect. Let’s build something vibrant, something real, as a community.

And if you’re around, swing by Urban Muse & Sultry Hues at Sanford and Son Antiques (open noon to 5 PM, Friday through Sunday). I’ll be there, paint-stained and ready to share a little magic through my whimsical drawings and watercolors. Thanks for following along as I navigate this chapter. Here’s to finding rhythm in Tacoma’s heartbeat.