FAQ:

So if you have an unusual project and we can work out an agreement that suits us both, Yes,  I am happy to go almost anywhere.

Above all others, my father, Jack Bullard is my foremost teacher in the area of the use of tools in general and in the masonry trade specifically. I began tagging along with my dad at an early age and began to absorb the skills and love of the craft from him. From him I also learned integrity and the art of getting along with people. From him I learned that 'good enough' was not good enough---he taught me to strive for excellence. My father (now retired) always specialized in stonework but did all types of masonry during the years I was learning from him so that I have extensive experience in brick, concrete block-work, concrete work, stucco, and fireplace construction. Dad learned his trade under a building contractor in Milwaukee Wisconsin who was, at the time, building houses designed by a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright named Russell Barr Williamson. Dad interacted personally with Mr. Williamson and admires him as one of the few architects he has met who could tell any of the tradesman exactly HOW to do any detail shown on his plans. So I guess I can say to my customers that when you have me on your project you have some connection (three times removed) to the great Frank Lloyd Wright!

I can not underestimate the influence upon me of my mother Leona Bullard. She was trained as a commercial artist and from her all of her children were exposed to the skills of drawing, painting, lettering, and beyond. Many people have trouble visualizing projects or parts of them, so because of my mother I can usually make you a drawing of what your project or some detailed part of it will look like. She and my father both are endlessly curious and interested in a wide range of creative endeavors and this has rubbed off on me. I am constantly reading and researching in all areas of construction---and this often proves valuable on the job site as I have a rich mine of ideas salted away for future use.

I must also list as a major influence, Polish born master stonemason John Drobik. John's father was a sculptor of stone statues and monuments in eastern Europe before world war II. I had the privilege of working with John for about twelve years when I was residing and attending college in the New York City area. John still does fine stonework with his grandson in northern New jersey.

It may seem so since you don't run across a mason at work every day---but there is a great amount of stone work going on in the united States at present--probably as much or more than there ever has been.The work being done at present ranges from mediocre to the very artistic work of Lew French (see his book 'Stone by Design' <http://tinyurl.com/6flxcd>)  and others.

I've come to define an 'Artist' as someone who is DRIVEN to do artistic things. He or she may be highly talented or just moderately talented---but this person has an inner need to be creating. He would never be happy merely earning a lot of money while shut out from the creative process. So I am an artist at least in the sense that I NEED to do artistic things to remain sane! (therefore anyone who hires me can be said to be performing a very humane act of public service...)

Yes, especially for folks in my immediate area. I sometimes have gaps between larger/fancier projects and am happy to consider smaller ones of all masonry types.