Wicked, dude No, seriously, the gallery’s called Wicked Pulp BY MAGGIE KNOWLES

You might think the last person you’d talk to about your health is a gallery owner, but I found myself doing exactly that. As I explained my symptoms, Nicole Bsullak listened carefully before making my tonic of apple, ginger, and lemon. The juice began its mending and I could (more clearly) enjoy the Hill’s newest addition, Wicked Pulp. The name has nothing to do with the art inside, but the juice bar draws in passersby who sip Berry Blasts while taking in the work, which rotates monthly.

Open now for just a few weeks, Wicked Pulp condenses the fiery-haired Bsullak’s passions of health and art. The current show, " Anonymous: The Investigation of the Incomplete Equation, " is her own work, but even when other artists are showing, she will be behind the counter concocting fruity libations.

The inspiration for " Anonymous " is a pair of Goodwill jeans. While many of us walk about in used clothes praying the previous owner won’t recognize their former shoes and make conversation, Bsullak looks at random people wondering (hoping even), " Is that them? " She links not knowing who owned these jeans to a math problem you haven’t solved; that the unknown drives an urge to find, finish, and complete. Since most of the math problems in my past sit unsolved, it makes sense that I (in particular) have no obsessive pull to locate the owners of my gently worn shirts. Yet she claims not knowing the answer is ignoring history and perhaps a great story.

In her quest for a great story, Bsullak disassembled said jeans and created quite the narrative. There are two parts: photography and wearable sculpture. The photos are an ode to her philosophical search for the owner. Tiny 1 " x1 " pictures are matted in gigantic frames — the tininess draws the viewer close, closer into the heart of Bsullak’s search for the Answer. The feet of strangers cross and kick back — could any of these people have been the one who tried on the work jeans, the skinny jeans, the ex’s jeans and decided at the last moment to toss them in the already bursting bag destined for re-wear central? I think not. Especially not the guy wearing green pants, blue sneakers, and WHITE SOCKS. Really, get a little metrosexual for the rest of us, mister.

How Bsullak refashions the jeans is the best part. Using only what she took from the pants, funky sculpture is born. " One Pull " hangs delicately on the wall, the indigo fibers swaying airily like a spider’s thread. Yet as fragile as it appears, denim is quite durable and this can even be worn as a necklace. In fact, Bsullak, who majored in jewelry-making at MECA, prides herself on multifunctional art. Two other " necklaces " would also make great centerpieces for the coffee table. " Transformation " looks like a gathering of shark teeth. The stubby, knobby creation will be the hit of your next cocktail party, no matter if it’s around your neck or hanging over the key dish. " The Charmer " answered the big question that I had: What kind of jeans are these? Gap, LL Bean, J Crew? This necklace uses pieces of the jeans — snaps, the Goodwill tag (only $5.95 USD!), and label — as charms that dangle from denim thread. The American Eagle jeans, size 32 x 34, are much more than a part of a semi-preppy college boy’s laundry basket, they are dissected evidence that a person once roamed Fore Play hoping a chick would think his butt looked good enough for a Jell-O-shot. If you think these jeans were once yours, stop by and introduce yourself to Nicole, maybe bring in a shirt for a sequel show . . .

In addition to sharing " Anonymous, " Bsullak has some fashionable accessories on permanent sale, including bracelets made from recycled belts, beads, and ribbon. Her bags are very cool as well. She believes everyone has a story and that we should carry the tangible aspects of that with us. She buys hardcover books from yard and church sales, salvages the covers, attaches belts for straps and, viola!, the perfect vessel for lipsticks, cell phones, names of potential husbands, and small dogs. For a formal party, the Handbook of Chemistry and Psychology, with its deep-red cover and gold type will complement any Little Black Dress. Going on a picnic? Bring along the rose- and mauve-hued September by Rosa Pilcher. The Family Medical Guide would be appropriate for jury duty, the only place navy is okay.

Even if you aren’t into jeans as art, the juice and homemade snacks are worth the trip. Wicked Pulp is a groovy, sunny spot with View Masters on the window ledge and an iPod nailed to the bar with headphones so you can discover your next favorite make-out song. I chose to listen to " A is Wasted " by As Fast As while the last sip of apple, ginger, and lemon juice slid down my throat and a black Outback got ticketed outside. Bummer, man. Wait, that’s my car. Damn! What kind of juice can she make me for that?

Maggie Knowles can be reached at margaretknowles@yahoo.com