We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Bulman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
It actually happened by chance. My wife and I were out to dinner with friends and they mentioned that my friend John, was taking a jewelry class at Silverworks in Glen Echo Park (Old amusement Park that has become a creative arts center) He asked if I was interested and I jumped at the chance. From that first class, which ignited a latent creative bug, I have taken many more to increase my design vocabulary and improve my skills. I do have a design background (degree in interior design from the Philadelphia College of Art) but have been in the restaurant business for over 25 years..
I was in my mid seventies at that time and was looking for a direction to pursue and keep my brain active as I approached retirement. It has turned in to a passion. I now spend 3 – 5 hours a day in my home studio. At first I was able to use the studio where I have taken courses but when Covid hit, the entire park was closed for two years and I began to build a home studio.
My gratitude to my friend is unbound as I have found my next life’s adventure.
Jeff, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Starting in my mid seventies and even though I have a design degree and have not exercised my creative side for over 25 years and facing retirement, I happened upon a jewelry course at a local arts center. After 25 years in the restaurant industry, not a profession that calls on my creative side, This experience of taking the first class reawakened in me my need to create.
At first I just made jewelry as an exercise of whatever class I was taking. As I progressed and starting working on my on, my work took on a look that expressed my understanding of the medium. I initially worked solely in Sterling Silver and some work in copper. Lately I have introduced gold into my pieces and semi and precious gemstones.
My clients, mostly people who have purchased from me at craft fares, have come back with request to work with an old family piece that needs to be modernized. Practically all of my work is one of a kind and is inspired by something I have seen (a painting, piece of sculpture, a flower, a gemstone or I just what is in by head.
My philosophy regarding the wearing of jewelry is that jewelry should be an accent to a person’s whole look and should be appropriate for the occasion. Your jewelry should not walk into the room before you! It also should not make noise or overpower what you are trying to achieve with your whole look.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me it is the ability to form pieces that express my desire to make beautiful jewelry and to have them make someone happy and feel good. My most recent experience was the of gifting a ring to the wife of a friend who had never seen my work and I took several pictures and he showed them to his teenage daughters for their opinion as to which piece their mother would appreciate. After he presented the piece he called me to say his wife absolutely. loved the piece and was wearing it all the time.
Of course all the women in my family have benefited from my work and they all appreciate what I make. Just seeing a client or family member or friend enjoying my work gives me the most satisfaction.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I just want to create and make beautiful jewelry! Now in my early eighties, I have found an outlet for my creative side which has brought me many new friends and an avenue to keep me busy and happy doing something I had always wanted to do.
I am very realistic about my ability to create something that has universal appeal. It is a reality check on myself when someone does not respond to my work. You can’t be everything to every one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jbulmandesigns.com
- Instagram: https://Jeff.Bulman
