american artist
Deane Bowers
Mixed Media
Originally
from Richmond, Virginia, I
relocated to the Lowcountry
almost 10 years ago and now call Charleston
home. Inspiration is always found in the beauty
and simplicity of the South Carolina Coast. For
this reason, I am passionate about being an
environmentally conscientious artist, and I make
it my mission to create eco-friendly art. While
my eclectic collection includes pieces in mixed
media collage, clay and paint, my work in found
object sculpture brings me the greatest joy and
satisfaction.
As a self-taught artist, my creative process is
guided by two principles. First and most importantly,
produce art that makes people happy. Second, strive
to be an environmentally conscientious artist whose
work has a positive impact on the environment and
celebrates recycling as an art form. Using mostly
discarded, abandoned and reclaimed materials,
my “environmental folk art” honors those forgotten
things. That shattered, busted and cracked piece of
metal or wood lying in the streets or on the beach
is the focal point of my found object sculptures.
There is an abundance of items thrown away, left
behind and forgotten on a daily basis that are free,
plentiful and readily available. Every nail, screw,
bottle cap, piece of wood, wire or metal has its
own story as it has gone through some journey to
end up discarded. Each item was useless on its
own. The twisted nails, metal scraps and old bottle
caps display an individual weak roughness, but
when paired with other fragmented pieces, they
convey strength. Their interaction with one another
is accomplished through detailed layering in a
graphic and interesting medley highlighted with
bold, vibrant colors to create an unusual balance
of industry and art. When damaged, disconnected
ART
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