Drew Mulfall

New York City, New York

“For years my illness kept me down. Since, I've been brave enough to step away from realism and paint from the rapid slideshow in my head. I'm free from the mazes.  I believe I've just dipped my toe in the ocean. When I paint these images, I make them real. I can touch them. I make my dreams real.  By making my dreams come true through art, I make my living dreams come true.”

Drew was a proud ArtLifting artist until his passing in 2021.

Lifetime New York City resident, Drew Mulfall (he/him/his), used his creativity to overcome challenges that life has presented. For many years, Drew recognized his artistic talent but focused on other aspects of his life. Overtime, Drew reconnected with his creativity with a new understanding of its importance in his life, dedicating himself to develop and explore the calling.

Up until his passing, Drew created his artwork at The Living Museum, which is a sanctuary for many artists living in New York City. Drew began attending The Living Museum in 2005. He described the transformative impact The Museum had on his life. 

“This is when I started to make leaps forward in my artwork. I still cycled heavily and could only produce sporadically until at one point, I stabilized better than ever before. There are two main reasons the museum has helped me with my art. One is the freedom. Unlike most day programs, there is no structure.  We decide. That brings me to point two - the people. It has become an intellectual salon for me and others. Friendships and objective opinions have made a big difference in my work and my life.”

Drew experimented with many different styles over the years, from realism to impressionism, and pivoted to painting in abstract later in his life. “When you have zero training, you have to find your own way. I’ve always had the images but not the courage.” Drew had found that creating non-representational, abstract artwork helped keep him emotionally healthy and balanced. 

For so long, Drew's creativity was unused; he said “I cannot waste any more time. It’s a mad dash to the finish line now.” Drew was excited to join ArtLifting so his work could get out there a little more. When asked about his dreams for the future, Drew shared “Good health and some happiness. My art is the most important thing. It’s hard to imagine where it will go.”