Visual
He doesn’t spend all day lounging on a bench at the Fairhaven Village Green, but longtime artist Richard Bulman says he sometimes hangs out in the common area to watch people interact with the lifelike statue of Dirty Dan Harris—a work for which he was the model. He never tarries for long, however, as he’s got plenty of his own creating to do.
When the Fall Show at the Fairhaven Originals Gallery opens Sept. 23, it’ll be with many of Bulman’s latest works on display. In addition to etchings, he’ll also feature works in pastel, a mixed media collage inspired by a recent trip to Sicily, and works on stone. Is there anything Bulman doesn’t do? We asked, and he answered.
Cascadia Weekly: Oil, acrylics, watercolor, stonework and jewelry are on your list of artistic accomplishments. Is there a medium you haven’t yet explored/mastered that you want to?
Richard Bulman: I don’t feel that I’ve really mastered oil painting yet. I would also really like to explore working with glass or ceramics.
CW: Realism is a big goal of yours. Has it always been that way?
RB: Yes, we had a lot of art history books in my home, and in my early teens I became fascinated by the works of the Renaissance masters and the challenge of creating the illusion of a 3D space, with all of its textures, light and atmosphere, on a two-dimensional surface with paint.
CW: When it comes to art, what’s your motto?
RB: “Art to live with.” I see a lot of work that blows my mind, but I wouldn’t want to live with it!
CW: What do you enjoy about living and working in Fairhaven?
RB: The small-town feel, the friendly people and store owners. I can walk to FOG in 20 minutes or less. It’s very convenient for doing business with the gallery and the other shops I sell through and buy from.
CW: Why is the Fairhaven Originals Gallery a good place to exhibit?
RB: FOG has a very professional, well-educated and friendly staff. The owner, and everyone who works at the gallery, is very devoted to supporting the artists and their careers. It’s also a beautiful, light-filled space.
CW: Do you make your living as an artist?
RB: I do, and have for many years, but only with the help of my partner Jim. I don’t think I could do it all by myself.
CW: Your bio says it took years of encouragement and hard work for you to become proficient at drawing and painting. Do you think there are a lot of people out there who have some natural talent, but give up too soon?
RB: Sure, and listen, I was not a naturally gifted artist. I was in school with a lot of people who were, so I understand the frustration, but I always tell my students what I told myself for years: “You can’t get any worse.” So keep working, keep learning to see, but have fun with your work. Don’t beat yourself up for where you are now, but think about where you are going.
CW: What other advice do you have for burgeoning artists?
RB: Build and maintain a good support system. Seek outside advice about your work and help out and encourage artists you know, especially those just starting out.
CW: What’s a typical day like for you? That said, what does a perfect day for you look like?
RB: I try to work from 9-5, Monday through Friday, with a lunch break when I remember. I take time off Saturday and Sunday for shopping and house cleaning, but I’ll often get a few hours of work in as well.
I try to think of every day as a perfect day because even though there may be mishaps, drama and pain I’m still so lucky to be pursuing my dream as an artist that I’m happy with my life.
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