From Street Art to Sobriety: Bob Peterson’s Journey of Creative Resilience
This May, Flask Lounge features artist Bob Peterson (@dollydarko27) following the debut of Geo SanGiovanni. Visitors can explore Bob’s distinctive work, which blends graffiti and street art, throughout the month. A special meet-and-greet event on Friday, May 10th, from 7-9 p.m. offers an opportunity to connect with Bob in person and hear more about his journey of creativity, community, and sobriety. Mr Dereloid, one of Bob’s favorite local DJs, hosts Foundation Friday at 9 p.m.
From Manchester to Portland: Finding Community and Inspiration
Relocating from Manchester to Portland marked a pivotal moment for Bob, providing him with a supportive environment that nurtured his creativity. “In Manchester, there wasn’t much of a vibrant street art scene,” Bob shared. “Coming up to Portland, it’s a lot more immersive. There are probably 50 or so people who are really into it. Everybody is inclusive and not as gatekeeping as you expect any scene to be coming in as an outsider.” This energetic atmosphere inspired Bob to push the boundaries of his work, creating a space where he could flourish alongside other artists.
Art as a Path to Sobriety
Bob’s path to recovery is linked to his art, which became a medium for expression and healing. Reflecting on the influence of sobriety on his creativity, Bob remarked, “When I got sober and was able to focus more on my art, it showed. My art really propelled me to the next level, and my focus was all there.” This clarity allowed him to pour more of himself into his work, capturing the dualities of darkness and light into his pieces.
“I remember how far I’ve come and how much my art has resonated ever since sobriety. So it’s been a positive spiral ever since then.”
Artistic Style and Inspirations
Bob’s art combines various influences, from the intricate work of Salvador Dalí and Vincent van Gogh to the raw creativity of graffiti and street art. “I draw a lot of inspiration from graffiti and street art, which I’ve been kind of immersed in most of my life,” he explained. Bob also finds inspiration in the people around him, particularly his fellow artists in the local scene. “My art is like a daily journal of my emotions and life, so I express myself through that and hope it resonates with people.”
Graffiti Etiquette and Artistic Ethics
As a seasoned street artist, Bob maintains a code of ethics that emphasizes respect for other artists’ work, particularly within collaborative spaces. “It’s generally considered tacky to tag over anyone else’s work, especially if it’s well done and there’s thought put into it,” he said. He values collaboration and the inclusive nature of Portland’s art community, where artists gather regularly to share their work and support one another.
A Special Connection to Flask Lounge
Flask Lounge holds a special place in Bob’s artistic journey, offering a platform where his work finds a receptive audience. His collection features seven pieces, four of which are part of his black-and-white stencil series. “I thought they went really well against the brick wall and the ambiance of the place,” Bob noted. One of his standout pieces, a 30×40″ piece named Track Cat, took two days to complete and remains one of his favorites. For Bob, displaying his work at Flask was an emotional experience, saying, “It’s the place I’ve come to the most in Portland over the years…so to have some of my best work hanging on the walls of my favorite place definitely brought a little tear to my eye.”
Looking Ahead
With aspirations of a solo gallery show and plans to publish a book documenting the street art scene, Bob remains rooted in his passion for art and the supportive Portland community. He recognizes the importance of channeling creativity as a form of positive compulsiveness, encouraging other artists struggling with addiction to “channel [their] compulsiveness into something positive.” For Bob, art is both an outlet and a beacon of hope, offering a path toward a brighter future. “I’ve never woken up in the morning and picked up a marker, pencil, or object and made art and regretted it afterward.”
Rapid-Fire Questions with Bob Peterson
Favorite Color: Purple, although “it’s always changing,” Bob said.
Favorite App: Instagram. He explained, “I live on it.”
Favorite Food: Spaghetti.
Favorite Restaurant in Portland: Otto’s Pizza.
Dream Gallery Partner: “My homie Wilt.”
Favorite Musician/Band: Pavement and Sonic Youth.
Ideal Artist to See at the Las Vegas Sphere: Pretty Lights.
Favorite Tree: Willow.
Connect with Bob and Flask:
- Instagram: @dollydarko27
- Contact for Collaborations: Kris Noyes, who is seeking artists for future installations