A Waxing Gibbous: Welcome to our New Blog!

If you're at all familiar with the Lunar Calendar and find the phases of the moon an enchanting reflection of present situations, I humbly bring to you an intermediate introduction. Similar to the Waxing Gibbous, following our New Moon Conjunction, I am beyond happy to introduce myself, a member of the growing Altar team, to offer my own contributions to this gathering's cycle.

Graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor's degree in communication studies, I have always found comfort and safety in all forms of self-expression. As a drag artist I am inevitably blessed with a passion for apparel, jewelry and fine art. Personally, when you're raised watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed or any other occult themed television series, the notion of magic and witches is something that remains ingrained for a lifetime. And as we grow older, we search for institutions that reflect those traits, to give us that feeling of home.

When I first walked through the vintage doors of Altar as a sales associate back in September of last year, that nostalgia came immediately. As Altar has a way of creating an atmosphere that seems almost otherworldly, it's keepsakes bring forth tastes of both darkness and light. And when you walk into a fashion boutique that strangely represents your exact personal style, you want to be a part of it.

Altar was opened in 2014 by two inspirational local artists, Cassie Ridgway and Amy Fox. I asked them both why they decided to open this business that has rapidly spread its wings. Other than the fact a rocker chic boutique wasn't present in the Portland market during that time, Cassie's enchantment with Amy's jewelry line, Iron Oxide Designs,  sparked their decision to merge together. Thus, they give birth to a darker brand, one that could parallel both their strengths, and more.

The Altar team has chosen to build this blog into one that can showcase to our audience the stories, talents, works and ideas that these local artists carry in their hearts. And if you’re at all interested in the latest studio tours, styles, trends, fashion features, artist interviews, giveaways, events and news, be sure to stay tuned for a wonderland of local excitement.

Some people think fashion is purely for the purpose of vanity. Some people think fashion is a tool used to find out who they are. I don’t necessarily agree with either of those statements. Some people already know who they are. Some people use fashion as a means to find out who they could be. So, if you too wish to learn who you could be, the kind of person you’ve always wanted to evolve into, keep this blog in the back of your mind.

Altar's goal is to offer its audience a sanctuary that provides dark bohemian styles for the everyday mystic. And as this online grimoire grows, I hope to place my own hand in, joining this collaboration full circle.

Sincerely,
Jared Chung