Bellingham and Whatcom County offer an abundance of galleries and museums to showcase the work of a wide variety of local and touring visual artists.
This week I had the pleasure of meeting Bellingham's most prolific street artist, known by many names, including 'Ruckas,' 'PKLZ' and his given name, Shawn Cass. This Bellingham-based graffiti artist turned muralist has produced legal and commissioned street art pieces on Bellingham alleys, storefronts and urban areas that would otherwise be an eyesore.
The best part is, his work can be easily appreciated on a walking, bicycle or driving tour with the information below.
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Part of the Bellingham Community Mural commissioned by the City of Bellingham and Morse Square Condominiums. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
Bird Alley behind Hohl Feed and Seed on Railroad Avenue. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
The piece includes a wide variety of native and exotic birds and has gradually grown over the past two years. He plans to add additional work in the coming months. His art is complemented by live pigeons and a peregrine falcon that live in and use the area. Many visitors have posted selfies in front of the work and used the hashtag #birdalley.
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Beautiful Bird Alley. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
Cass also loves collaborating with other artists. If you look closely in Bird Alley, you might see a few birds in differing styles that were created by artists that passed by while Cass was working. That includes well-known Seattle muralist Henry (Ryan Henry Ward).
Cass at work in Bird Alley.[/caption]
The alley directly behind Schweinhaus Biergarten on State Street. Photo by Shawn Cass.[/caption]
The alley beside Cap Hansen's Tavern on E. Chestnut Street. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
Near Alamo Apartments where Cass used to live on E. Maple Street. Photo by Shawn Cass.[/caption]
Bellingham Community Mural was commissioned by the City of Bellingham and Morse Condominiums to reduce the amount of illegal tagging and beautify the area. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
Shawn Cass loves his work including this commissioned piece on a residential garage door off Lakeway Drive. Photo by Lorraine Wilde.[/caption]
Cass describes his overall style as 'new school' urban graffiti with exaggerated features in a cartoon style. He says his work is inspired by Dr. Seuss, M.C. Escher, and classical artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. He notes that his style is constantly evolving as he experiments with new techniques. Although he uses spray paint to do his art in the graffiti style, he considers his work more drawing than painting. You'll see his signature 'spray paint can angels' or 'screwworm angels' in the corners of many of his pieces.
Cass started tagging in his own unique style as Ruckas when he was 16 in Arkansas. At 19, Cass moved to Bellingham on a whim with friends who were originally headed for Seattle. He began taking classes at Whatcom Community College and tried a year in California's Bay Area before returning to the area. Around the age of 20, Cass was arrested while tagging under the bridge behind Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant. After that, Cass switched to canvas work which led a Fairhaven consignment shop owner to propose a trade: artwork for clothing. That's when Cass became legit, leaving illegal graffiti behind to become Bellingham's most prolific public muralist. By 2005 Cass got his first big job, a commissioned mural at Whatcom Community College.
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Cass at work on unique koi fish that will represent each of the children living in the home. Photo by Lorraine Wilde.[/caption]
He later transferred to Western Washington University, taking courses in the Environmental Science program and studying terrestrial ecology and sustainable design. Cass also works as a DJ in the area under the names Mr. Pickles, Picklz and PKLZ. You can hear his work on Soundcloud.
By 2016, Cass was inspired by Sustainable Connections KAPOW! Placemaking competition, an annual challenge to enliven an underused and underappreciated section of Bellingham. He didn't win, but it did inspire him to contact local business owners and begin his public art in earnest.
Cass has invested many hours in Bird Alley. Photo by Johnathan Williams at Studio 15 Images.[/caption]
Whatcom County has a number of other talented public muralists as well. Cass recommended the work of fellow Bellingham artist, Matt French, whose work also appears in both indoor and outdoor locations in the area. While you're touring the work of Ruckas, you can also check out more mural art in Bellingham and Whatcom County on this self-guided tour written by my friend Marla Bronstein.
Whether you come for a day, a weekend, or a month, Bellingham and Whatcom County offer a variety of visual arts to appreciate including this edgy pop-culture-inspired street art form. If you're inspired to commission your own piece, Cass can be reached at mrpicklz@yahoo.com or via Facebook messenger.
