Introducing PJ Patten!
He is a self-taught graphic illustrator, tattoo artist, and poet whose work is influenced by the intersection of his Japanese heritage with his American military upbringing.
The evocative and emotional illustrations in the book are inspired by the traditional Japanese artform of Haiga, which blends watercolour painting and haiku. Patten uses inkstone and brushes that belonged to his Oba-chan (Japanese for “grandmother”) that she herself used to create art.
His preferred mediums are acrylic paints on canvas, pen, ink, watercolours on paper.
Through his own lived experience and deep engagement with the community, Patten’s work captures the raw, unfiltered realities of housing insecurity, shedding light on the humanity often overlooked in the broader discourse.
In his most recent exhibition “Changing the Conversation II”, PJ collaborated with the Purpose Youth Hub.
The exhibition explores the belief that housing is not just a place; it is a foundation for life, dignity, and community. The “Changing the Conversation” series explores the multifaceted challenges surrounding housing—from inflation and the job market to the rising costs of living, the scarcity of supportive housing, shelter beds, and public rehab facilities in the face of a growing overdose crisis
PJ is one of the artists participating in our Changing the Conversation program. This project aims to better understand the perspectives of those who have experienced challenges related to housing insecurity, including renters, and how these perspectives can be better included in community conversations about housing.
Visit the Changing the Conversation program page to learn more.
