The viewer may initially be confounded by the apparent references to religion in Philip Buller's paintings. The human subject matter in his paintings and the warm, luminous color palette are reminiscent of the iconography and tradition of the great Italian Renaissance masters. However, though these elements might remind us of the past, the work is contemporary in every sense. For Buller, the religious momentum in his work is about the profundity of a moment. "I try to stay aware of a particular moment without imposing my narrative on it," says the artist. "The relationship between will and surrender is critical within this process."

Philip Buller's talent for poetically universalizing through generalized images and personalizing through specific rendering enables us to consider how his paintings in some way tell of our own experience of life. Fragments of semi-transparent images echo other images, creating a ghostly presence, a hidden moment, or an experience not unlike memory or recognition. We recognize the state of solitude and uncertainty as well as the hope for both human and spiritual connection. Since dedicating himself to art in 1982 and its challenging discipline, Buller has developed an appreciation for qualities which are still at the center of his work, most importantly, the phenomenon of light and its indivisibility from dark. Not only does light define form, but, he discovered, it also can invite us toward deep feelings.

Time spent teaching in Italy each summer for the past ten years has enhanced Philip Buller's study of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance and the respect that he has for these painters is clearly visible in his work. At this time his painting involves the representation of the human figure. "My intention is to follow threads of sensation and feeling to create paintings to which I have as deep an emotional response as possible," says Buller. "To guide me toward intensity of feeling I use composition (the abstract relationship of shapes) rather than narrative, as the primary vehicle. In this way, I feel I am able to uncover meaning from an unconscious place. This particular process offers mystery, ambiguity, and, ultimately, the chance for transformation."

Philip Buller received his BA in Fine Art from Sonoma State University and an MFA in painting from California College of Arts and Crafts. In addition to teaching art at the college level and privately in his studio, he also leads annual painting retreats on the Greek Island of Andros and in the hills of Tuscany, Italy.

Welcome to Susan Street Fine Art, the premier San Diego art gallery online featuring San Diego Artists, Los Angeles Artists, CA art and a wide variety of works from all over the world. Susan Street Fine Art offers art consulting for corporate clients as well as art for the home. Our gallery is the best source for San Diego Fine Art including abstract art, original art, oil paintings, sculpture, as well as complete framing services. As a celebrated California Art Gallery, Susan Street Fine Art can offer you access to a wider selection of world renowned artists than nearly any Los Angeles Art Gallery. To browse some of the available works visit our Artists page or check out our Exhibition page to see what we are currently showcasing in our Solana Beach location. Whether you are interested in art for the home or corporate art applications, Susan Street Fine Art can provide you with the expertise to make sure your artwork will inspire your guests and clients for years to come. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 11am-5pm | Sunday 12-4pm and by appointment. Call us today to set up your consultation.

415 SOUTH CEDROS AVE. SUITE 160, SOLANA BEACH , CA, 92075 | 858.793.4442 | GALLERY@SUSANSTREETFINEART.COM