By Jacob Graves
Co-Editor-in-Chief

Portland-based artist Paula Bullwinkel visited the college’s Alexander Gallery on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 to showcase her newest exhibit, “Pressure Drop”. Bullwinkel spoke about her work in Niemeyer Center from 12 to 1 p.m., detailing the intricate process and deeper revelations behind the nine new compositions she brought to CCC. 

Paula Bullwinkel during the artist’s reception speaking about her exhibit. Photos by Austin Barrett

The exhibit in question is entirely oil-painted and depicts large-scale renditions of women and children, as well as animals such as wolves, cats, jackrabbits and prehistoric bears. The figures Bullwinkel uses in these paintings are based on her own real-life experiences; ranging from vintage photographs of family members to simply catching a glimpse of everyday human interaction while out and about in the world.

Bullwinkel was originally born in Northern California, growing up 20 minutes South of San Francisco. 

“We spent a lot of time in the woods, being outside. We lived in a canyon, and it was lovely. A lot of imaginary play, actually, and playing with ceramics in my mom’s ceramics studio,” she said.

Her mother, a lifelong potter, instilled her extensive love and knowledge for art as an adolescent. Despite this Bullwinkel didn’t pick up the paintbrush until later on in her life.

Bullwinkel spent 18 years in New York City and London as an editorial fashion and portrait photographer after graduating from UC Berkeley. This experience piqued her interest in developing a sense of narrative that is seen all throughout her artwork, and served as a pivotal transition for her artistic career. 

Even so, nothing came easy in the world of fashion. 

“It was really fun, but really hard. It’s hard for a woman to get those jobs, because it was male dominated and still is,” said Bullwinkel. “It was all about the narrative for me. You’re telling a story, especially with fashion…the clothing or the fashion is like armor. It tells you about the character the same way the costume would for an actor on stage.”

The use of abstract narrative is scattered throughout “Pressure Drop”. In paintings such as “Playing In The Street” and “Backstage At The Warren”. Her works feature odd yet comforting scenes that are characterized by larger-than-life animal companions that provide a sense of solace to the viewer.

Bullwinkel’s painting “Backstage at the Warren”.

The namesake of Bullwinkel’s exhibit references a popular reggae song from 1970 entitled “Pressure Drop” by Toots and the Maytals, while also touching on the broader social and emotional tensions shaping today’s world.

“It’s a reggae song,” Bullwinkel said. “It’s like, when it all comes together, something is going to happen. And it could be bad, and it could be good, in my mind. Right now there’s an incredible amount of pressure in the world and in the United States.”

Bullwinkel’s painting “Playing In The Street”.

Some people may look at these paintings and believe the imagery to be preposterous, but that is exactly what Bullwinkel intended with “Pressure Drop.” Bullwinkel said that in this exhibit, her paintings were inspired by politics. 

“My paintings do have a political undercurrent in them,” said Bullwinkel. “It’s kind of a rebellion. It’s saying absurdism makes more sense than whatever we think reality is. This is more realistic to me than what’s going on in the White House and the administration, and with sexism. This is more real to me.”

In the painting “Fourth of July”, the setting seems to evoke a family portrait of a mother holding two children with an American flag draped over her left leg. Behind them are three brown bears, and in front are three cats, perhaps serving as a symbol of protection or safety. 

In Bullwinkel’s mind, this observation may ring true.

A close-up of Bullwinkel’s painting “Fourth of July”.

“It’s always a better painting to me when an animal is there, it feels safer,” said Bullwinkel. “It feels like more of a safe, good world when an animal is present in these stories. They are part of the woman’s soul. They are the muse…they are the strength and the savior.”

When breaking down the underlying message behind “Pressure Drop”, it may seem a bit eerie to ponder. However, Bullwinkel said all interpretation of the exhibit is in the eye of whomever views it.

“The story is fluid, it can always change when I look at it,” said Bullwinkel. “So, when you look at it, it’s correct. Any viewers’ ideas are correct…it’s meant to entertain. It entertains me, so I hope it entertains viewers.”

“Pressure Drop” is featured in the Alexander Gallery Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 6. The exhibit is free to attend.