Pete Rush
Costume Designer, Seattle, WA
What mediums do you use for your art?
My visual art relies heavily on textiles, such as fabric and string, as well as found paper products like
cardboard, wallpaper, paint chip samples, and other art papers. Occasionally, I use unconventional
materials, such as condoms, as I did for a temporary art series in 2019 for the AIDS Memorial Pathway.
In costume and scenery design, I use a wide range of materials depending on the needs of the
production. It’s always exciting to experiment with new and interesting materials to create theatrical
illusions and bring specific worlds to life onstage.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
I draw inspiration from many sources, including the streets—what people are wearing, the colors in
clothing and graffiti, and imagery in advertising and media. Nature is also a fundamental inspiration, particularly flowers, plant life, and landscape formations.
My work is largely assemblage-based, so the creation process involves playing with and manipulating
materials. Much of my inspiration comes from the inherent qualities of these materials and how they
bend, reshape, and combine. I enjoy discovering what materials want to become and allowing them to
dictate the final product. If I find a fascinating textile at a thrift store, I buy it, knowing it will tell me
when it’s ready to be used.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
All artists reflect their world back to the viewer in a personal way. Our individual expressions can
invite people to see something fresh and new, consider different opinions or conditions, or engage with
or celebrate a community. My role as an artist is to reflect, illuminate, provoke, question, and foster
conversation. I hope my work resonates with the public and encourages them to think outside their
usual perspectives. In today’s climate, it’s hard for me as an artist not to be political in some way. Art
should challenge and provoke, and there is no shortage of issues to address in this country right now.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
Queer art often feels marginalized and considered “fringe” or “other” in many established art spaces. I
would like to see this barrier come down, with queer artists being placed alongside other artists as equal
and valid voices. I hope our work is judged as “Art” first and foremost, rather than being viewed as a
fetishized subset. Full integration of queer expressions in the art world is essential for embracing and
recognizing our community.
How has art impacted your life?
Art has profoundly shaped my life. It influences everything from my work to the food I prepare and the
community I engage with. I am a passionate consumer of art and live performance. The conversations
that follow a play, drag show, or art installation are often the most exciting and thought-provoking. My
worldview is shaped by the art I experience, which also inspires my own work and how we can coexist
in a fractured world.
Who are your favorite artists?
Robert Rauschenberg, David Wojnarowicz, Ming Cho Lee, Sandy Powell, Nan Goldin, Tom of
Finland, and Ann Hamilton. I also delight in traditional Amish quiltmakers, which might seem the most
non-queer thing ever! But truly, my favorite artists are those I actively collaborate with on projects. The familial bonds formed are long-lasting and inspire us to achieve more than we could alone. The Seattle community is blessed with talented artists, and I feel fortunate to collaborate with many of them.
Where can people see your art?
I have several upcoming theatrical productions this fall. I’m designing costumes for Camelot at Village
Theatre, opening in September. I’ll also be designing scenery for Jingle All The Gay this holiday season
and for A Winter’s Tale at the University of Washington.
What does it mean to be a queer artist to you?
Being a queer artist means living as my true, authentic self and allowing all aspects of myself to inform
my work. It means not being ashamed or shy about expressing my thoughts, ideas, and experiences,
regardless of their appropriateness. My sense of being, sexuality, personal relationships, past
experiences, and big gay fantasies all contribute to my work. It is essential to ensure queer voices and
sensibilities are visible and heard.
