'Renaissance Man' Debuts Art at Richmond District Cafe

By Jonathan Farrell

Jeffrie Peterson watches the neighborhood wake up every morning, drinking a cup of coffee at the Blue Danube Cafe on Clement Street. And now the neighborhood wakes up with Peterson - his most recent paintings - "Insinuendo" - are gracing the cafe's walls through December.

Sitting at the Blue Danube is like visiting an artist's studio. With chandeliers on the ceiling and an eclectic array of artistic expressions for the eye to feast upon, the cafe has a Bohemian feel.

Peterson, who lives on Third Avenue, recently talked about his life and philosophy.

"I follow three rules: do not censor, do not edit and do not judge," Peterson said.

When painting, he lets the canvas unfold before him with colors, images, faces and forms in various types of light.

"My paintings are Rorschach-like, whereby the viewer can interpret them in many ways," Peterson said. "That is why the show is called "Insinuendo" as it gives a hint to the viewer and opens up a world of interpretation."

But painting is simply one form of expression for Peterson, who also acts and writes poetry.

In 1978 he published a book of poems called "Reflections on Ithicas." His most recent composition, "In the Belly of The Crab," is a work in process - he hopes it will be published. Peterson has also read his poetry at Folsom Prison.

In the meantime, life could not be any better, Peterson said.

"Everything is falling into place."

According to Nate Tico of the Stars Agency, Peterson had a sizable role with a documentary-drama series on Japanese television.

Tico is a talent agent who has been representing Peterson for more than five years.

"Jeffrie appeared on 'The World's Most Stunning News,' which re-enacts actual news stories from around the world," he said. The show was recently broadcast nationwide on Nippon TV.

Tico, a native of the Sunset District, referred to Peterson as a "Renaissance Man," with multi-faceted talents.

Peterson's acting coach Linda Lowry agrees.

"He is such a creative force but not an ego. Jeffrie is fearless and very supportive when working with others," Lowry said.

Born and raised in Montana, it was the writings of Jack Kerouac and the sounds of jazz that put Peterson on the road to San Francisco. He felt at home as soon as he arrived in 1965.

He described the "Beat Scene" as enthralling and once read poems onstage with fellow poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, of City Lights Books.

Immersed in the movements of the '50s and '60s, he hoped for a better world but eventually became disillusioned. Working through various bouts and entanglements, he became a counselor at Walden House - a drug treatment/rehabilitation center.

Without any art lessons, he started painting as therapy. Peterson's talent as a painter emerged unexpectedly and turned into a creative vehicle.

Whether it is painting, poetry or acting, Peterson's art forms are just vehicles to use on the journey. Part of being an artist - especially as an actor - is learning to take risks and accept rejection.

Peterson, 59, understands this is part of life and knows not to take rejection personally.

"Vulnerability shows that I am alive with emotion, empathy and understanding," Peterson said of his experiences, which he views as a part of his learning process.

As someone who has hitchhiked around the world twice, Peterson said all five of his senses are awakened by travel. Traveling is the best form of education a person can take, especially for an artist, Peterson said.

But it is San Francisco where Peterson is the most comfortable.

"I love living here!" Peterson exclaimed. "San Francisco envelopes every place I have been."

Surprised that so many artists live in the area, Peterson would like to see a place in the Richmond District where artists can come together to "hang-out" to create their works.

A reception for Peterson will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Blue Danube Cafe, located at 306 Clement St. For more information, call (415) 221-9041.