Peter Bulow American psychiatrist and sculptor Country: USA

1. Peter Bulow: The Psychiatrist and Sculptor
2. An Unconventional Hobby
3. A Unique Connection
4. A Commute Filled with Creativity
5. The Popularity and Recognition

Peter Bulow: The Psychiatrist and Sculptor

Peter Bulow is an American psychiatrist and sculptor who gained fame for his unusual hobby. Born in India to a German father and a Hungarian mother, Bulow's interest in sculpture began in his childhood in Berlin. It was during a trip to the zoo with his uncle that he first started molding clay lions. Bulow holds degrees in clinical psychiatry and art and currently works as a research scientist at Columbia University.

An Unconventional Hobby

Bulow, a 52-year-old psychiatrist from Washington Heights, New York City, spends a lot of time in the subway, just like many other New Yorkers. However, unlike them, he doesn't doze off or bury himself in his smartphone as soon as he steps into the subway car. Instead, Bulow sculpts. Armed with a piece of clay and a sculptor's knife, he transforms the New York City subway cars into his own artistic studio and fellow passengers into his models. His completed works are usually stored in his violin case.

A Unique Connection

Bulow's miniature sculptures depict a variety of subjects, such as schoolgirls rushing to music class, headphone-wearing machos, embracing couples, a woman wrapped in a fur collar, and individuals with dreadlocks and turbans. His fascination with the inner lives of people drives his art, and he feels a deep connection to his subjects. Bulow believes that when people look at his sculptures, they experience the same emotions and the artwork becomes a reflection of themselves. He is intrigued by how art influences the brain and is currently writing a book that combines his portraits with his research in the field of neuroaesthetics.

A Commute Filled with Creativity

Bulow's passion for sculpting has become intertwined with his daily commute. Before the birth of his son Isaac, he used to visit a stone carving studio after work. However, now he pursues his beloved hobby during his journey to and from work. His backpack is always filled with clay, and he starts his work by kneading a fist-sized ball of clay in his hands while scouting for potential models. When he spots an interesting face, he immediately starts sculpting, as there is always a chance that the person might get off at the next stop. Bulow has become adept at working quickly, even in crowded trains, carefully balancing the clay and his bicycle.

The Popularity and Recognition

Over time, Bulow, a psychiatrist who not only peers into other people's minds but also molds them from clay, has gained significant popularity in his city. Recently, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation organized an outdoor exhibition of Bulow's work titled "Passing Glances" in Fort Tryon Park. The exhibition, held in June of this year, featured thirteen of Bulow's favorite sculptures, which he enlarged specifically for the occasion and displayed on 190th Street near the park entrance.