An Inspired Chat with Ariel Bullion Ecklund of Ithaca

Ariel Bullion Ecklund shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ariel Bullion, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am most certainly walking a path that I am actively carving out for myself.
As much as I love wandering – taking things as they come – I do feel the clock ticking and consider how I use my time in a very different way than when I was a young person.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and curator. I have owned and operated a brick and mortar gallery for 16 years – shaping and molding the space to conform to my personal vision – a space for the community to gather and relish in the creative spirit.

While small business ownership presents many challenges, I do enjoy working for myself. At the end of the day, I feel gratified knowing I’ve given 100 percent of my effort to the task at hand – literally, my hands – whether as a business owner or artist.

For many years, my own work as an artist was placed at the bottom of the daily list of priorities. While I am still very committed to promoting the work of other artists, I understand that I need to advocate for myself and my own creative projects.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Power takes many forms.
I have two distinct memories of feeling powerful.
When I was younger, I ran on the track team. 100m and 200m races were my favorite. I enjoyed the pure physicality of running as fast as I could for short distances. At that moment I felt as if I could do anything I set my mind to.

Later in life, I experienced emotional power as an artist. I remember showing photographic work at a local artist’s market and seeing a woman cry while looking at one of my photographs. It was then that I realized that my art could be considered as powerful. I understood that the emotion and honesty that I felt while making work could be experienced by others.

I knew of this magical feeling from having similar experiences seeing works of art in galleries / museums but it was the first time my work was the subject of this type of reaction.

What is more meaningful than forming relationships and connecting with other humans in a positive way?

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My fear of public speaking has been an obstacle for most of my adult life. For this reason, I have declined to participate in certain events and there have been many missed opportunities which, more than likely, would have resulted in moving my career forward.

Over the last few years, I have made a conscious effort to accept the opportunities that I would have shied away from in the past. I have removed the words “I can’t” from my vocabulary and instead of obstacles, I try to see a life full of possibility.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s hard to say. Perception is subjective. How do I really know how I am perceived by others?

During my daily “9-5” activities as a gallerist, I certainly project the importance of art in my life. I spend the majority of my day either thinking about or talking about art. When I’m lucky enough to be in my own studio, I’m making art.

I’m relatively active on social media and post about my experience both as an artist and as curator and gallery owner.

I believe those public versions of me are accurate and real.

What is often hidden from the public are the feelings of doubt and insecurity. I wonder if my work is worthy of praise. I easily find validity in the work of others, but question my own.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
This topic is the subject of conversations I’ve had recently with friends of mine.

“Insatiable” is the term that comes to mind. As an adult, I’ve grown to understand that most of my desires and wants are completely insatiable.

Once a goal has been reached, I might feel proud to have achieved it, but I’m already considering my next move. I cannot relish in the enjoyment of completion. I don’t feel fully satisfied.

I believe part of this is societal but I also think it is learned behavior. I grew up in a household environment in which praise was not readily given.

I call it the “search”. The search is ongoing. It is what keeps me working and what pushes me forward. Its a bit of a catch 22 – I would be lost without the yearning for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arielecklund.com
• Instagram: ariel_bullion_ecklund
• Other: https://www.cornersgallery.com