Richard Whittaker

Roll Up Project is pleased to present a selection of artworks by Richard Whittaker. Whittaker’s fine art practice has paralleled a long career as a writer, interviewer, and publisher. His magazines – The Secret Alameda and Works & Conversations – are a lasting testament to his skill as a lively and thoughtful conversation partner, and to his interest in deeply understanding people and their driving forces. His photography, works on paper, paintings, and sculptures expand on this philosophical perspective, often highlighting moments of sublime beauty in nature.

A painted chair and tall shelf transform the window on Harrison Street into a cozy room for contemplation. Two abstract sculptures lean against the wall beside a selection of photographs, a monotype, and magazine covers. Whittaker entered into digital graphic design in 1990 on a whim, as desktop computers, PageMaker, and scanners transformed the publishing process. During his interviews, which often extend over several sessions, he focuses in on the essential qualities of an artist’s work, bringing studio conversations to a deeper level than most contemporary artist profiles. His studies in philosophy, clinical psychology, and theology inform his conversational approach, putting artists at ease and letting them open up over time. Whittaker states that “over the years, I’ve done almost nothing to promote myself or the magazine. And so it remains under the radar.” However, Whittaker’s interviews and essays have been included in many artists’ catalogues and books. Works & Conversations has a devoted fan base and in addition to the printed magazine, interviews are available on conversations.org.

In the Harrison Street windows, Whittaker’s artful cover designs hold equal footing alongside photographs that have graced the magazine’s interior pages. Whittaker initially took up photography in the 1970s, after finding inspiration on a dazzling drive across the Bay Bridge at sunset. Photographs like Existentialism (n.d.) and Night Tower (n.d.) show man-made features set against awe-inspiring vistas, encouraging the viewer to compare the two elements, and to envision themselves in each space.

Other artworks in the Third Street window, like the photograph Sobek Takes a Break (n.d.) – depicting a broken ceramic sculpture of the Egyptian crocodile god Sobek smoking a cigarillo beside rusted cans of fuel and paint – point to Whittaker’s playful sense of humor. Nearby, an untitled wood sculpture inlaid with a ruler, bits of brass, and a smooth piece of granite is mounted beside a black and gray painting and a colorful monotype. Viewed together, they tell the story of an artist whose dedication to beauty and the pursuit of knowledge have led to a variety of creative outcomes.

About the Artist

Richard Whittaker is an artist, writer, and publisher based in Oakland. His magazines The Secret Alameda (1990-1997) and Works & Conversations (1998-present) feature interviews with artists and poets alongside his photography. Whittaker earned a BA in philosophy at Pomona College and an MA in clinical psychology at JFK University. He also spent time at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He has published books including The Conversations – Interviews with Sixteen Contemporary Artists (2007). His photography will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Canessa Gallery in San Francisco in June 2026.

Learn more about Richard Whittaker at conversations.org.