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indoor studio space as well, but he works out- doors whenever possible. "I love the multiple inspiration around here." One of Bull's most interesting collaborations was the one he enjoyed with the late, great Muhammed Ali. "I learned through an agent that Park West Gallery was searching for an ar tist to produce paintings that could be print- ed for Ali to sign," he says. "Peter Max and I were both chosen." It was initially a commercial project, but when Ali and his family saw Bull's paintings they asked if they could get some of them for their home. "I was like…uh, yeah. Absolutely," he recalls. The relationship then turned more personal. "He commissioned me to paint President Obama. He wanted to give a gift to the President at his 2009 inauguration." (Above) "Afterglow," (Right) "We Are One," (Opposite)"Only A Day Away" No matter how successful he has become as a painter, Simon Bull sees himself primarily as a storyteller. 166 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8