Has it been 3 years already?! I am still quietly here. Finding inspiration, solidarity, and a general sense of calm and joy from what you share. I am an illustrator, art teacher and mum of two young ND kids trying to figure out how carve out a life of slow, intentional hyper-fixation :)
Hi Carson! I’m Kaitlin- a high school librarian in the Hudson Valley. I live with my husband and daughter in a small house that is slowly being overtaken by our rose bush. I’m hyper-fixated on my garden right now! Also, random coincidence, I also went to Fox Lane! But a little bit after you.
I'm Sarah, a 31-year-old Brazilian woman who loves Slowpoke! I'm a psychologist and an enthusiastic writer. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us — I also dream of living on a farm one day. I love painting and drawing as hobbies, and I admire your work very much!
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
Hi Carson, I just flew into PDX last night to visit my brother Nelson. I stepped into the main terminal and was blown away by the beauty. I had read about the renovation here on your Substack, but did not anticipate the lump in my throat and the gobsmacking wonder of that magical space. 🌱🌳 How wonderful that you are part of that public space!
Hello! I’m Alli. I used to live in Juneau and I met you when you came up for Comic Camp (my contribution to camp was bringing my black lab Nova to hang out with everyone). You and your work made a big impression on me at the time and I’ve continued to find inspiration in your work and what you’ve shared about your work style ever since. I am a fellow slow-paced person and it means a lot to see someone making at a more familiar pace. I love Slowpoke and peeking into your process and especially your travelogue posts are my favorites!
Hi! I’m Asha, a (now longtime) Portlander, writer, and parent of two young adults. We share many similar interests and a few mutual friends. Although I’m not generally a hyperfixator, I live in a family of them and it is a remarkable thing. Thank god for neurodiversity. I also just realized that you probably illustrated my favorite t-shirt, a Decemberists tee which I bought at an Edgefield show a while back. That was the first live music (or performance of any kind) I had seen since the pandemic, and it was so moving and healing. That tee also gave rise to one of the funniest things my Mom has ever said. She has an obstructed view of my shirt and asked “who are the Cucumberists?”
Cheers! I've been in Portland since 2020 and still getting acclimated. I love how many of us in here have so much in common, not just fans of The Decemberists. I was recently laid off, but unofficially work with Glitterfox so know lots of folks you know. I love how Portland feels like a small town in the city. I am woefully behind picking up my Joan of Arc print from Nationale (bc I am certified ADHD). Fingers crossed they still have it. I am also a Pickles fan (like Funk), and I'm looking forward to exploring all the crannies of Portland this summer (while looking for a new job). I'm an Executive/Personal assistant if you know of anyone looking, here or across the globe.
Hi Carson! I'm Cristina and I write you all the way from Portugal where I live (and where I'm from). I am a designer by day but my job is labour focused and not very creative so I quench that thirst by illustrating on my free time and daydreaming of my creative endeavours becoming my day job. I actually grew up on a farmstead but it feels weird to call it a farmstead (though there's a house and some other small buildings so I guess officially it is?). It feels more like a big house with a big garden rather than a farm. A small farm I guess. My parents used to have rabbits, chickens and sheep but they were slowly replaced by dogs. They grow vegetables and make olive oil (very small amounts, nothing for sale, but enough to share with me!). Anyway I have been around for some years outside of portugal and came back and settled in Lisbon, where I live with my boyfriend and our dog. I am hyperfixated in pretty much everything that sparks my interest but I would say at the moment I am mostly hyperfixated in tapestry. I moved in the beginning of the year and I would like to have a big rug for my home office but since big nice rugs are pricey I thought 'hey, why not make it myself and build a hobby out of it?'. At first I thought about tufting but I dont own any tufting equipment so I thought well let's go with Arraiolos (a kind of cross stitch) because I can make it from the sofa while watching movies. It's made out of burlap and wool so I wonder if I can keep at it during summer. Anyway I discovered you in Instagram when you made that post that went around where you were wondering whether you should leave Instagram! It resonated with me but most importantly I loved the drawings and the writing... I am so happy to be here, Slowpoke brings me joy. And now I wonder have you actually left? Im still there but using it way way less which is very good.
Hi Carson---you helped me out about a hundred years ago when I thought I wanted to be an illustrator and I wrote you for advice. I have no memory of why I chose to write you... how I found you, what our correspondence consisted of, or anything else. What I do remember is that you were kind and helpful and generous with your time. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart ❤️🔥
Hi Carson! I’m Allie, San Francisco born but a Portlander for ten years now. One of my prize possessions is a print of yours from a project back in 2019; the name eludes me but it was 20 artists doing a run of 20 prints each. It’s an etching of a woman striking out across a windy plane and it reminds me to be courageous and bring a jacket. I’m a theater artist, puppeteer, karaoke dilettante, river enjoyer, and I’m looking forward to cheering for the Pickles this summer. I am an eternal fan of yours and Colin’s both.
Your article popped up in my feed. Will not lie, the photo with the fat rat made me stop. The piano playing made me subscribe immediately.
I'm guessing the rodent's not called a fat rat and has a name. Please share more about him. He seems to have an intense personality. Who is this guy? You are okay too. (jk! You are great.)
BTW, I am an engineer who writes about helping others in a developing country. And will stop to look at all things whimsical.
HI! I am new here... my name is Sam and I have recently returned to Portland after years of galavanting about. I grew up not to far away in SW Washington. It's me, my fella and a huge Maine Coon cat who cannot get enough love! Love your artwork, look forward to checking out your next exhibit. Also, a big fan of your husband's band... saw them wrap things up at Edgefield on the last tour and it was sublime. Look forward to the shows in November. Also.... I'm impressed by all you are doing and feel a bit like a slug. ;-)
Has it been 3 years already?! I am still quietly here. Finding inspiration, solidarity, and a general sense of calm and joy from what you share. I am an illustrator, art teacher and mum of two young ND kids trying to figure out how carve out a life of slow, intentional hyper-fixation :)
Thank you!
Hi Carson! I’m Kaitlin- a high school librarian in the Hudson Valley. I live with my husband and daughter in a small house that is slowly being overtaken by our rose bush. I’m hyper-fixated on my garden right now! Also, random coincidence, I also went to Fox Lane! But a little bit after you.
I'm Sarah, a 31-year-old Brazilian woman who loves Slowpoke! I'm a psychologist and an enthusiastic writer. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us — I also dream of living on a farm one day. I love painting and drawing as hobbies, and I admire your work very much!
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Hi Carson, I just flew into PDX last night to visit my brother Nelson. I stepped into the main terminal and was blown away by the beauty. I had read about the renovation here on your Substack, but did not anticipate the lump in my throat and the gobsmacking wonder of that magical space. 🌱🌳 How wonderful that you are part of that public space!
Hello! I’m Alli. I used to live in Juneau and I met you when you came up for Comic Camp (my contribution to camp was bringing my black lab Nova to hang out with everyone). You and your work made a big impression on me at the time and I’ve continued to find inspiration in your work and what you’ve shared about your work style ever since. I am a fellow slow-paced person and it means a lot to see someone making at a more familiar pace. I love Slowpoke and peeking into your process and especially your travelogue posts are my favorites!
Hi! I’m Asha, a (now longtime) Portlander, writer, and parent of two young adults. We share many similar interests and a few mutual friends. Although I’m not generally a hyperfixator, I live in a family of them and it is a remarkable thing. Thank god for neurodiversity. I also just realized that you probably illustrated my favorite t-shirt, a Decemberists tee which I bought at an Edgefield show a while back. That was the first live music (or performance of any kind) I had seen since the pandemic, and it was so moving and healing. That tee also gave rise to one of the funniest things my Mom has ever said. She has an obstructed view of my shirt and asked “who are the Cucumberists?”
Cheers! I've been in Portland since 2020 and still getting acclimated. I love how many of us in here have so much in common, not just fans of The Decemberists. I was recently laid off, but unofficially work with Glitterfox so know lots of folks you know. I love how Portland feels like a small town in the city. I am woefully behind picking up my Joan of Arc print from Nationale (bc I am certified ADHD). Fingers crossed they still have it. I am also a Pickles fan (like Funk), and I'm looking forward to exploring all the crannies of Portland this summer (while looking for a new job). I'm an Executive/Personal assistant if you know of anyone looking, here or across the globe.
Hi There! I’m a mom, sometimes substitute teacher, an expert list maker, laundry folding procrastinator, and poetry geek
Hi Carson! I'm Cristina and I write you all the way from Portugal where I live (and where I'm from). I am a designer by day but my job is labour focused and not very creative so I quench that thirst by illustrating on my free time and daydreaming of my creative endeavours becoming my day job. I actually grew up on a farmstead but it feels weird to call it a farmstead (though there's a house and some other small buildings so I guess officially it is?). It feels more like a big house with a big garden rather than a farm. A small farm I guess. My parents used to have rabbits, chickens and sheep but they were slowly replaced by dogs. They grow vegetables and make olive oil (very small amounts, nothing for sale, but enough to share with me!). Anyway I have been around for some years outside of portugal and came back and settled in Lisbon, where I live with my boyfriend and our dog. I am hyperfixated in pretty much everything that sparks my interest but I would say at the moment I am mostly hyperfixated in tapestry. I moved in the beginning of the year and I would like to have a big rug for my home office but since big nice rugs are pricey I thought 'hey, why not make it myself and build a hobby out of it?'. At first I thought about tufting but I dont own any tufting equipment so I thought well let's go with Arraiolos (a kind of cross stitch) because I can make it from the sofa while watching movies. It's made out of burlap and wool so I wonder if I can keep at it during summer. Anyway I discovered you in Instagram when you made that post that went around where you were wondering whether you should leave Instagram! It resonated with me but most importantly I loved the drawings and the writing... I am so happy to be here, Slowpoke brings me joy. And now I wonder have you actually left? Im still there but using it way way less which is very good.
Hi Cristina! I'm visiting Portugal in 2026, and I'm so excited to see it for the first time!
Ah thats great! I hope you'll like it, Portugal can be really fun. Do you have an itinerary idea?
I’ll be in Azeitão for a yoga retreat so I’ll fly into Lisbon. Will probably spend a few days there, before or after.
Hi Carson---you helped me out about a hundred years ago when I thought I wanted to be an illustrator and I wrote you for advice. I have no memory of why I chose to write you... how I found you, what our correspondence consisted of, or anything else. What I do remember is that you were kind and helpful and generous with your time. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart ❤️🔥
Hi Carson! I’m Allie, San Francisco born but a Portlander for ten years now. One of my prize possessions is a print of yours from a project back in 2019; the name eludes me but it was 20 artists doing a run of 20 prints each. It’s an etching of a woman striking out across a windy plane and it reminds me to be courageous and bring a jacket. I’m a theater artist, puppeteer, karaoke dilettante, river enjoyer, and I’m looking forward to cheering for the Pickles this summer. I am an eternal fan of yours and Colin’s both.
Your article popped up in my feed. Will not lie, the photo with the fat rat made me stop. The piano playing made me subscribe immediately.
I'm guessing the rodent's not called a fat rat and has a name. Please share more about him. He seems to have an intense personality. Who is this guy? You are okay too. (jk! You are great.)
BTW, I am an engineer who writes about helping others in a developing country. And will stop to look at all things whimsical.
Your have interesting followers…”nostalgia archivist”
HI! I am new here... my name is Sam and I have recently returned to Portland after years of galavanting about. I grew up not to far away in SW Washington. It's me, my fella and a huge Maine Coon cat who cannot get enough love! Love your artwork, look forward to checking out your next exhibit. Also, a big fan of your husband's band... saw them wrap things up at Edgefield on the last tour and it was sublime. Look forward to the shows in November. Also.... I'm impressed by all you are doing and feel a bit like a slug. ;-)
Thank you for sharing this! I'm Liz and one of your newbies. Enjoying your posts immensely. (Also a fan of your husband and your extended family.)