Cole Reed is a community catalyst, gangster of joy, mixed media artist, and furniture designer currently located in Portland, Oregon. She has the profound ability to see the possibility in some of the most unlikely places and to transform seemingly innocuous materials into beautiful and powerful works of art that transcend from a visual experience into a conversation that illuminates some of the harsh truths of our time.
She has explored, discovered, created and collaborated in community- for community in three states over two decades. While she was a student she had a live/work art space in Tucson called Una Da Luz that she attributes as her “gratitude training” through encouragement, collaboration and gentle nudges from the art community.
It was here that she discovered her passion for salvaging existing materials and giving it new life as functional pieces of art through furniture creation and design. It was also here that she developed her ideals and values of the community, collaboration and widening the path for the next wave of makers, artists, creators, and human(e) persons.
With ten years invested in the Portland community, Cole’s presence offers electric affirmation and support accompanied by fierce advocacy for the rejection of societal norms that still embrace and cater to supremacist delusions.
Inspired by her greatest muse, the laughter of her son, Cole has embarked on a journey of reclaiming and living in her joy. Her artwork like many artists has been changed and altered due to her ameriKKKan experience. Together we are learning to Exit the Maze.
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