The northwest lost one of its great artists early on Friday, April 28th after a sudden and unexpected battle with cancer, just 11 days after his 65th birthday.

Having traveled the world with his parents from an early age, Rick was especially influenced by the 3 years spent in Japan. This brought great inspiration and later began his art journey professionally in 1975. As Richard grew up, his father was influential and provided early teaching in the areas of jewelry design and reproduction of vintage pieces.

The Bellingham resident was known nationally for his multi-media pieces as far back as 1985. This recognition came from pieces with oils, watercolors, ink on paper and canvas, as well as drawing, and stone etching. Some of his finest work included detailed stone etchings and large watercolors of ancient ruins and archeological locations he visited through his lifetime. His art education included several southwest colleges including the University of Albuquerque, private studies at UCLA, and several others. Along the path of his education he also learned museum quality framing and art restoration skills.

Richard’s works were shown at several one man shows in over 15 locations, most recently at several Bellingham Washington based galleries, and additional group shows in dozens of surrounding galleries. His works have been on display worldwide, from Greece to Mexico, Japan, and across Europe.

His talents included popular jewelry designs created from vintage pieces, which incorporated skilled bead work, metals, and exotic stones. Beyond vintage jewelry, Richard also created his own casting and molds formed from acrylic painted polymer clay, giving the appearance of carved stone. Many of these pieces included what Richard called “found objects” which were laid side by side with natural stones and select gems. His artistic talent exhibited a rare ability to incorporate many materials which were always changing, and in each appearance, a brilliant result.

Settling in Bellingham with his long-time husband and companion of 42 years Jim Rich, Richard became deeply involved in the Fairhaven district, posing as the model for the bronze “Dirty Dan” statue on the Fairhaven Village Green. Jim often portrayed Dirty Dan at district celebrations, with his ragged costumes and distinctive hat in the company of the Fairhaven Ladies of the Evening Association, a twelve-member group of local women who wore historical garb from the 1890’s and celebrated the original business owners of Fairhaven and their high-class brothels. The group appeared annually in the well known Ski to Sea parade. Jim and Rick also led many historical tour groups through the Fairhaven district.

Rick’s artistic expression paralleled the essence of human existence; representing the past with his artistic honor of human civilizations and an awareness of the present by utilizing “found objects”. These objects included everything from pieces of driftwood to abandoned shards of pottery. His life’s work as well as his constant education of other young artists centered around the appreciation of art in all of its forms; such passion will ensure that his techniques and knowledge will be protected to continue well into the future.

“This is why I enjoy the historical preservation and tours of Fairhaven”, he said.Rick preferred a less modern approach to life, leaving his husband Jim to take care of his internet presence. He rarely drove and enjoy using a cellphone. His focus was on the art he loved so much despite technology becoming more useful in the later years of his life.

He is survived by husband, Jim, his “Other” Mother JoAnn Bulman, Ricann Bock, Luke Bulman, numerous other loving friends and relatives far and near.