CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. -- From outside Northwest Arena in Jamestown to the Seneca Nation's Cattaraugus Territory, Dave Poulin's work can be seen all over the region and the world. Poulin started sculpting in 1978 and has created more than 400 pieces, with many outside local schools and parks.
"I love the process. Three dimensionally, building so, it's just something that hit me and I really enjoyed that," said Poulin, Ellicottville resident.
What Poulin didn't enjoy was the intense criticism and global scrutiny he faced last year for creating what became known as the Scary Lucy statue in Celoron.
"If you want to criticize my artworks, say it wasn't my best piece or that you hated it, hey, I'm okay with that. What got me was the personal attacks from people who didn't know me," said Poulin.
The statue was based on this likeness of Ball's "I Love Lucy" character during an episode where Lucy taped a TV commercial.
"Trying to do one instant moment of a comedy, especially of Lucy in that particular scene, that was a challenge to try and capture that, and you know what, perhaps I fell short," said Poulin.
Poulin says the controversy had little to do with his recent decision to cut back and spend more time with his family. He donated some of his equipment and materials to the Buffalo Maritime Center but insists, he's not calling it quits.
"I still have my shop, and I still have all my welders and equipment. And I can still model up the clay and can still do all the clay work. Being a sculptor doesn't define me," said Poulin.
Poulin currently teaches welding at Ellicottville BOCES.