Show Me Your Seattle: Participant Spotlight on Chappin Eze
Today we’re sitting down with Chappin Eze to talk about his experience with Seattle Restored. Through the collective images used in the Show Me Your Seattle photo installation, Chappin Eze aims to showcase Seattleites’ authentic, lived experiences, inviting viewers to see the city as a dynamic, ever-evolving place full of life and untold stories.
Q: Tell us about your artistic focus. where do you draw inspiration from?
My art is a reflection of who I am: a curious and engaged citizen of the world. I draw inspiration from everything—whether it’s the perfect alignment of abstract lines, a song lyric that unlocks something deep in my mind, or simply the act of moving through the world with an open heart. Staying present and observant helps me find meaning in everyday things, and that often becomes the foundation for my next project.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
Show Me Your Seattle was originally meant to be a group zine, but it never materialized. The idea sat in my Notes app for months—just waiting. Then one day, I came home from work and my boyfriend told me about Seattle Restored. He even played me a KING 5 clip highlighting last year’s recipients and what the program was about. Something clicked. I remembered my idea and realized it could be more than a zine—it could be a public installation. A way to spark a conversation about Seattle’s identity, beyond the usual images and narratives we see in the cultural zeitgeist.
Applying felt like a leap—a way to take my art more seriously and prove to myself that I have something meaningful to say. When I found out I was accepted, I was honestly in shock. I couldn’t believe that my “little” idea resonated with the folks at Seattle Restored.
This is just the beginning of my artistic journey, but it’s a crucial moment. It helped quiet that inner voice that tells me my ideas don’t matter. This opportunity was the affirmation I needed to fully step into the role of artist—and to keep going.
Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEATTLE ART SCENE. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT CREATING ART IN SEATTLE?
I organize for a group called Seattle Film Club, where we host monthly events centered around photography with the goal of building community through this time-honored medium. Through Seattle Film Club, I’ve immersed myself in the city’s creative scene and met so many inspiring individuals who are exploring both themselves and society through their art.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered in Seattle’s art scene is how siloed it can be. Information is often gatekept or just not shared—people will host events without tapping into the broader creative community, even when a simple collaboration could amplify the impact. I’m actively working to change that by creating spaces where artists can connect, riff off one another, and build together. That kind of creative exchange—when someone else’s topsy-turvy ideas challenge your own—is often where the best art and new perspectives are born.
Despite its challenges, Seattle is a beautiful place to make art. The nature, the stillness, the fresh air—it all creates the perfect backdrop to dive deep into yourself and pull out the ideas, questions, and insights that shape meaningful work.
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR ART?
Show Me Your Seattle is an open invitation to reimagine what this city looks and feels like—through the eyes of the people who actually live here. It’s a community-powered art installation that asks real Seattleites to share the corners, memories, textures, and moments that define their Seattle.
Whether it’s a bus stop, a smell, a view, or a lyric you heard while walking home—Show Me Your Seattle is about collecting those personal fragments to create a richer, more layered picture of our city. It’s part storytelling, part portrait, and fully rooted in the idea that everyone’s perspective has value.
This is just the beginning, and I hope it continues to grow into something that invites dialogue, sparks connection, and celebrates the everyday beauty of our shared environment.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
Check out Seattle Film Club on Instagram and TikTok, and visit our website at seattlefilm.club.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Shed the Seattle Freeze and start talking to people. Say hi, compliment someone’s outfit, ask a stranger about their art. This city gets a lot warmer when you open yourself up.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
Seattle Restored @ Base Camp Studios 2. I love that artists have a dedicated space to create, experiment, and be in community with one another. Having a physical home for art-making—where ideas can be shared, collaborations can spark, and people feel supported—makes all the difference. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to be solitary; it thrives when it’s nurtured in community.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
Madison Park Beach in the summer—hands down. My friends and I are out there multiple times a week. There’s nothing like good conversation, jumping into the lake on a hot day, then laying out in the sun with your favorite drink in hand. It’s easy, joyful, and unbeatable.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
I’m most excited about expanding Seattle Film Club in the coming year. I want to grow our community of photographers and creatives, offering more opportunities for collaboration and connection. It’s all about building something sustainable that brings together different voices and perspectives in Seattle. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us as we continue to grow and evolve.
vISIT Show Me Your Seattle
Address:
906 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104
Open hours: Viewable Anytime
Dates: November 8, 2024 – June 15, 2025