If you watch HBO's Girls, you may recognize artist James Ulmer's studio from the "Welcome to Bushwick a.k.a. The Crackcident" episode, which was filmed in the very same building. But inside James' space, there are no distractions of girls; random tchotchkes, children's books, and toys are perched and piled up around the studio. (I was fixated on his King Kong puppet and the Voodoo-like-doll of Hamburglar, making it difficult to keep my focus as I took a trip down memory lane.) We got to chat about records, inspirations, and comic book heroes. Read all about it below, and be sure to check out his first solo exhibition currently at Beginnings gallery, and his other show, The Bigger Picture at Booklyn Artists' Alliance.
Simon Chung: What did you get up to in the days before your first solo show?
James Ulmer: Making a new zine.
If your job was to draw one thing every day, what would it be?
A face or a head, maybe a body with no head. Maybe just legs.
When you were a kid, which superhero would you always dress up as?
Probably Batman and Spider-Man.
What are your current obsessions?
I'm not sure they're obsessions, but I like buying records, toys, or art books—stuff that makes me excited about making pictures.
I got to hang out with you in the studio just before your Drawings opening. What’s the best part of your work routine?
I'd say waking up early, having some coffee, walking the dog. Normal stuff.
What’s your favorite record to put on while working?
I've been on a reggae kick lately. Some jazz. Stuff like that.
I've seen your works range from repetitive motifs and patterns to single drawings. What do you enjoy making more?
They all work together. I don't think I like one more than the other. They're achieving the same thing for me.
If you couldn’t draw, what would you do instead?
I have no clue. I'm lacking in other skills.
If this show had a theme song, what would it be?
"Touch of Grey" by the Grateful Dead
What are your plans after the show?
Take a break and then get back to work.
Catch James Ulmer's work at the Beginnings Studio from through July 28th, 2013; and at Booklyn Artists' Alliance through August 25th, 2013.
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Photos by JAMES PARKER
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Simon Chung: What did you get up to in the days before your first solo show?
James Ulmer: Making a new zine.
If your job was to draw one thing every day, what would it be?
A face or a head, maybe a body with no head. Maybe just legs.
When you were a kid, which superhero would you always dress up as?
Probably Batman and Spider-Man.
What are your current obsessions?
I'm not sure they're obsessions, but I like buying records, toys, or art books—stuff that makes me excited about making pictures.
I got to hang out with you in the studio just before your Drawings opening. What’s the best part of your work routine?
I'd say waking up early, having some coffee, walking the dog. Normal stuff.
What’s your favorite record to put on while working?
I've been on a reggae kick lately. Some jazz. Stuff like that.
I've seen your works range from repetitive motifs and patterns to single drawings. What do you enjoy making more?
They all work together. I don't think I like one more than the other. They're achieving the same thing for me.
If you couldn’t draw, what would you do instead?
I have no clue. I'm lacking in other skills.
If this show had a theme song, what would it be?
"Touch of Grey" by the Grateful Dead
What are your plans after the show?
Take a break and then get back to work.
Catch James Ulmer's work at the Beginnings Studio from through July 28th, 2013; and at Booklyn Artists' Alliance through August 25th, 2013.
Photos by JAMES PARKER
