If you’ve ever taken a wrong turn on your way to Trader Joe’s and driven past a purple house on the corner of Iron and Virginia streets with a sign advertising FishBoy Gallery, it’s worth your while to inquire within. (But please, set up an appointment at the Sunnyland locale first.)
Although the painting above the sign suggests FishBoy might be an aquatic vertebrate with human-like eyes and a penchant for fancy hats, the being who resides at the sprawling space at 617 Virginia St. is in fact a painter named R.R. Clark.
Clark has been making folk art in Bellingham for more than a quarter century, and is also a retired WTA bus driver. The “FishBoy” moniker refers not only to his penchant for fishing for reclaimed wood and mis-mixed paint to create his colorful creations, but also to his ability to connect with his inner child for inspiration.
Those lucky enough to score a full tour of FishBoy’s house and gallery will find it’s hard to distinguish the two. Paintings of fantastical creatures and unforgettable characters line the living room, kitchen, reading nooks and entryways. Connecting pathways lead to an art studio, a fire pit and various other outbuildings. Art is everywhere, and most of it is for sale.
WTD runs on Wednesdays. Have a suggestion for a “What’s the Deal With?” inquiry? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
