13 Pieces: Movie posters and other spooky treats from the collection of “Ghoulish” Gary Pullin
By Cole Rispin
Welcome Cannabis Burlington is located inside the former Framesite Art & Project Outpost. Welcome Cannabis is proud to keep up the tradition of showcasing some of Canada’s best art from national and local artists. Welcome Cannabis will be curating art exhibits at our shops for our patrons to enjoy while checking out what we have to offer for all of our customers’ cannabis needs.
For the month of October, Welcome Cannabis is proud to showcase 13 Pieces from the spooky, eerie and strange collection of the frighteningly talented “Ghoulish” Gary Pullin of London, Ontario.
Gary Pullin, known to horror enthusiasts and art collectors as “Ghoulish Gary,” is an award-winning artist and leading designer in the world of alternative movie posters, vinyl record packaging, and pop culture art. Gary Pullin has made a name for himself with his signature vibrant and eye popping style that has graced numerous magazines, book covers, soundtracks, and movie posters. He’s had his work featured in galleries across North America; created highly sought-after screen prints for the likes of Mondo and Grey Matter Art; album art for Waxwork Records, Death Waltz, and Varese Sarabande. In 2018, 1984 Publishing released his first art book, Ghoulish: The Art of Gary Pullin. Gary always manages to perfectly balance the feel of the film and nostalgia with his own haunting style.
Some of Ghoulish Gary’s work include film posters for Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, The Big Lebowski, Vertigo, and Child’s Play. His soundtrack art includes Creepshow, Scream, Christine, and Tales from the Crypt, as well as designing concert merch for the likes of Jack White, Alice Cooper, and The Misfits.
I had the privilege of meeting Ghoulish Gary a few years ago when he created the cover for Mad Magazine’s Halloween special, a truly special moment and exciting time for him and his career. Since then Gary has been on fire providing his artistic expertise to IT, American Werewolf in London, Maniac Cop and helped re-launch the online home of the film “The Return of the Living Dead” with new merch and posters.
Gary has also joined forces with actor Courtney Gains (The Burbs, Colors) and is creating NFT’s (non-fungible tokens) inspired by the 80’s horror movie icon called Malachai Rising – based off his infamous Children of the Corn character Malachai Boardman. Check all of that out at MalachaiRising.com
I got a chance to sit down with Ghoulish Gary Pullin again before our art exhibit and ask him about his career and life.
“The special effects and the artistry that went into making movies drew me in. I grew up reading Stephen King and watching old black and white monster movies on Saturday mornings. I was a full-fledged horror fan by the time I was 12 or 13.”
Cole: I know this is a pretty generic question but always a good way to start the convo; why horror?
Gary: I grew up in the 80s when video and music stores were on every block. I loved the vivid artwork on VHS tapes and vinyl records, especially the horror and science fiction movies. The special effects and the artistry that went into making movies drew me in. I grew up reading Stephen King and watching old black and white monster movies on Saturday mornings. I was a full-fledged horror fan by the time I was 12 or 13.
Cole: What was it like to be asked to do the Halloween Special of MAD Magazine!?
Gary: As a kid, I would dig through bins in the back of comic book stores looking for MAD Magazines. I poured over the artwork, and I consider their artists some of my biggest influences today. I met MAD’s Art Director when I was exhibiting at San Diego Comic Con. Before I knew it, I was working on a cover that won a Rondo Hatton Award. It was a fantastic opportunity to work on the cover with MAD. Even though they recently scaled down the magazine, I am glad to see MAD is still going, and you can order it online.
Cole: With your line of work, you do a lot of traveling and working the convention circuit from Horror Cons to Comic Cons, but with the world as it is and all of these events being canceled for almost two years, how difficult was that, not only on your career but emotionally?
Gary: It’s been tough not being able to travel. Nothing quite beats that face-to-face conversation, but I’m still making relationships by continuing to put new work out there. I’ve been keeping busy at home with some exciting projects, and I’m booked for a few shows in 2022. I’m excited to get back out there and exhibit all of the things I’ve been working on!
Cole: You recently brought out your own art book under 1984 Publishing which showcases your work, never before seen art and original concepts. How was that experience bringing out your first book and will you be doing it again in the future?
Gary: I’ve been collecting art books all of my life, and it was something I never thought would have been possible. When 1984 Publishing asked if I would be interested in telling my story, I was incredibly excited and extremely humbled. We were lucky enough to work with the Italian rock band Goblin on an exclusive vinyl release to go with it. They’re famous for their soundtracks for Suspiria and Dawn of the Dead. I honestly didn’t believe it was happening. I’m very proud of the book, and it’s been an incredible first chapter. I hope to do another one when the timing is right.
Cole: Why Welcome Cannabis?
Gary: I met you (Cole Rispin) and your brother Ben through your podcast Mass Nerder where we talked about our love and passion for music, art, and movies. When you reached out about exhibiting in the gallery, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to work with them. I put together “13 Pieces,” which are some favourites from my collection, to inspire visitors to revisit some classic horror films during the spooky season. Welcome Cannabis has a great mandate, mixing art with cannabis culture together and their gallery space in Burlington is beautiful.
Cole: What new projects have you worked on – that you are allowed to discuss – that have you the most excited?
Gary: I’m excited about a few upcoming things, but I recently worked with Collectionzz on posters for Def Leppard and Alice Cooper. I typically do movie-related projects, so when I can work on something music-related, I jump at the chance. I’ve also recently gotten into the NFT marketplace with actor Courtney Gains (Children of the Corn, The Burbs). We’ve partnered up with an NFT guru and started www.MalachaiRising.com. It’s been a fun introduction to a new medium and keeps me inspired. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes!
Cole: Thank you so much for choosing us to showcase your work Gary.
Gary: Thank you and Thanks to Welcome Cannabis Burlington for inviting me to haunt their walls for the month of October. I am excited to share a few of my favourite silk-screened posters that I’ve created for some of my favourite horror films. Happy Halloween!
“13 Pieces: Movie posters and other spooky treats from the collection of “Ghoulish” Gary Pullin” will be showcased at Welcome Cannabis Burlington located at 1401 Plains Road East Unit 5 Burlington, Ontario. Ghoulish Gary’s art will be on display for the entire month of October! Come haunt our store, buy some devils lettuce and check out some shockingly good art.
