Artist Interview Series | Elizabeth Bowler | Abstract Painter

Linus Galleries, Fine Art Gallery

2014 Artist Interview Series

Elizabeth Bowler

Linus Galleries, a Los Angeles contemporary art gallery, presents The Artist Interview Series. Our Linus artists are from all over the world and come from a variety of different practices and backgrounds. Read on to gain insight into the creative process and personality of our featured artist. This week we feature Elizabeth Bowler, a British abstract painter living in San Francisco. Elizabeth’s art was recently shown as part of our Vulnerability vs. Strength online art show.

1) Please tell us your name, artistic practice of choice, and location in the world.

My name is Elizabeth Bowler and I am a British artist currently based in San Francisco, working with a painting based practice.

2) Are you self-taught or did you formally study art?

I will be graduating soon with a Masters Degree in Fine Art from San Francisco Art Institute.  I feel my learning began from a very early age painting with my Grandmother.

3) This is a hard choice for many visual artists, but what is the first answer that comes to mind when you think of your favorite color?

As soon as the word color is mentioned my mind generates flesh tones and grey scale. Humans are the most prevalent part of my practice and exploring the subtleties within the color spectrum of the body enthuses me the most.

4) What subject matter appears most in your artwork? What do you love about that subject? What do you dislike?

The subject of my paintings continuously develops from my life, investigating and exploring the implication of a sense of limbo – mar – existing between absence and presence. I love how other humans that I encounter end up as part of a piece, capturing the moment in an abstract way. This allows viewers to project there minds onto the work, creating a continuous cycle of reactions. There is very little I dislike about my subject matter. It can on occasion be terrifying to really let go and be true to myself, and to be true about how I’m reacting to a moment. I think it can be easier to contain and suppress uneasiness. To be honest to that moment, immerse yourself in it and output it into a piece is when the work comes alive.

5) What is difficult for you about your chosen medium?

I primarily make large-scale works, so the most difficult thing is moving them.

 

6) What musical artist/band are you currently listening to when you are creating?

Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Bonobo, Blockhead, The M Machine, Foals, and Mimosa.

7) Describe your “aha” moment when working with your medium that made you make that leap into another level.

My first major turn in my practice was when I increased the scale dramatically; all of a sudden my paintings were environments to be explored. The second major turn in my practice would be when I introduced the inner structural protrusions in the stretching of the canvas. My paintings had emotion, concept, an environment to be absorbed into, but the protrusions added tension and anxiety. It humanized the work.

8) Where do you create art?

Mostly in my studio or in the woodshop I work in.

9) How do you unwind?

I unwind practicing Yoga and exploring cities.

10) Any parting advice for budding artists?

Only apply to shows that either means something to you in reference to your practice, or you believe in the space and the people promoting that space.

 

 

Interested in purchasing artwork from this artist or any of the artists featured on this blog or our website please  CONTACT the GALLERY

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