Pulsifer is artist of the month at Belfair Self-Storage

Kirk Boxleitner | Sep 14, 20230

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Ralph Pulsifer's "Reflections" will be on display at Belfair Self-Storage's art wall during September.

Ralph Pulsifer came to art relatively late in life, in the wake of surgery three years ago that left him with a lot of time on his hands.

"My children have always been artists, so it was also a way to connect with them," said Pulsifer, a Shelton resident and member of the Skokomish Indian Tribe.

Indeed, Pulsifer credits "plenty of coaching from my kids" with helping him develop as an artist, along with what he referred to as "the University of YouTube."

Pulsifer renders his pictures in a variety of media, from acrylic paints to charcoal and pencil sketches. He began his artistic pursuit by creating illustrations for those close to him, often with uplifting themes.

One colorful portrait of a brawny female figure, inspired by "Rosie the Riveter," was intended to serve as a dual tribute to survivors of domestic violence and cancer, while a contemplative black-and-white depiction of a "lady on the lake," looking up at the full moon in the night sky, was inspired by one of Pulsifer's friends, whose tattoos "represent different phases of her life."

"Again, painting people's artistic requests is a way of connecting with them," Pulsifer said. "But I'm also branching out to explore different forms and styles, and looking to market myself as an artist."

Pulsifer has found black-and-white to be both "limiting" and "expressive," and he's enjoyed rendering landscapes and seascapes alike, although his heart is also strongly invested in creating art that's "empowering to women," since social work, including with domestic violence survivors, has been one of his many jobs.

"I've been a line cook, I've driven both box trucks and school buses, and I split my year between working at Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman and the Lucky Dog Casino," Pulsifer said. "I'm looking into getting my work into area art bazaars, and I hear some of the casinos might be interested in showcasing more Native artwork."

Pulsifer was inspired to contact Barbara Treick, manager of Belfair Self-Storage, after he read an article about her art wall in the Shelton-Mason County Journal, which is how he became the art wall's artist of the month for this September.

"Barbara is super-nice and accommodating," Pulsifer said. "I'm very impressed with what she's been able to do with the art wall. It deserves respect."

Although Pulsifer is starting out as an artist, he offered encouragement to other aspiring artists because "not everyone will love everything that you do, but you'll never succeed unless you try first."

As Pulsifer continues to determine "the next phase of my life and artwork," he thanked his children, Skye and Wolf Pulsifer, and his friend, Kendra Stepanek, for contributing to the "Razmos Gallery" that he's continuing to build online.

"Kendra is an outstanding photographer," said Pulsifer, who has also branched out into photography himself.

"Since I'm at Lake Cushman so often, I take advantage of the picturesque view," Pulsifer said. "I try to make time to go to the Staircase Campground, to tromp around the old- growth forests. I see my photography more as just sharing what I love about the Pacific Northwest. I think we can forget sometimes how much beauty we're fortunate enough to live in. Of course, I'd love for people to buy my pictures, but I consider it worthwhile just to show them this great area."

Ultimately, it comes back to connecting with others for Pulsifer, who hopes his artwork can inspire emotional reactions in those who see it, so that they engage with those works, because "making connections is one of the big reasons why I enjoy making art."

You can see Pulsifer's art this month at Belfair Self-Storage, 23270 NE state Route 3 in Belfair, during its hours of business.

For further details, contact Treick at [email protected], or at her office at 360-275-2257.