adam k. orla-bukowski
alameda, ca
b. 1963, chicago, il

about

I've been creating art for over 50 years—discovering pathways to express myself and the world we live in. Short of my family, it's the longest relationship I've been a part of. Like any relationship, there's an ebb and flow to it.

From the time I was young, my bond with art has been both leading and following. At times, I've felt ready to walk away from it altogether. But over time, that connection deepened, strengthened, and became like a mirror reflecting who I am. Today, I feel like I'm just getting started.

My work is primarily in drawing and painting, though I explore other mediums whenever inspiration strikes. With a background in advertising and graphic design, I approach image-making through expressive line work, color, and shape.

My work spans both figurative and abstract styles, with each piece informing the next. Mostly self-taught, I draw inspiration from my own life, creating an ongoing dialogue between my experiences and the ever-evolving creative process.

I'm the youngest of six children, born in Chicago to immigrant parents from Poland who met in England after World War II before coming to the United States to build a better life. Today, I live in Alameda, California, with my two sons.