The MC Erny Gallery at WHQR is pleased to feature “Perspective: Work by New Elements Gallery Artists Marlowe & Bruce Bowman.”
Join us on Friday, October 28 from 6-9pm for the Opening Reception and Friday, November 25 from 6-9pm for the Closing Reception of "Perspective," which is part of the Arts Council of Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Meet New Elements Gallery artists and enjoy art, wine, and light refreshments with WHQR staff. The MC Erny Gallery is buzzing once again with art and cultural activities, and we couldn't be more thrilled!
About the Artists:
Born and raised in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Bruce Bowman developed an early interest in architecture. He pursued this interest and later changed his residency to North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture at NC State University in 1983. The School of Design allowed him to also develop his interests in visual design as a secondary discipline. As a licensed architect in the early 1990’s he is responsible for several significant structures in Wilmington, which is now his home. These include the Holiday SunSpree at Wrightsville Beach and the New Hanover County Judicial Building Expansion which features a 4’x 8′ glass mosaic also created by Mr. Bowman.
In 1997 he began pursuing his art interests again and is now represented by New Elements Gallery in downtown Wilmington where he has been the featured artist in two two-person shows. His art influences include Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso as he has developed an expressionist style emphasizing bright colors and exaggerated perspective. His subjects often include buildingscapes and interiors utilizing palette knives to apply the oil paint.
Marlowe was born in Florida to a mother with extraordinary artistic skills. He was greatly influenced by the vivid colors and textures of her Floridian art. He then continually defined his skills through his high school’s graphics programs.
While attending Ohio University, he studied graphic design and illustration with a talented group of professors who urged him to pursue commercial illustration. After receiving encouragement from his professors, he moved to New York City and found much success. His achievements include commissioned illustrations for The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and Newsweek.
Marlowe then began illustrating children’s books. He eventually penned a Parent’s Choice award winner that was featured on the Today Show. Marlowe has illustrated over 100 magazines and book jackets, winning numerous illustration awards over the last 20 years. He currently resides in Wilmington, NC.
Artists' Statements:
Bruce Bowman:
My reason for choosing broad palette knives is to be quick and expressive with the ability to create sharp edges and tight lines. The wet on wet application creates an impasto technique providing dimension and texture.
Dynamic or wide angle perspectives are often chosen to pull the viewer into the setting. Skewed perspective and intentional distortions are added to represent different views from the same general vantage point. By utilizing these abstractions, the accuracy of the rendering becomes unimportant, but the essence of the subject becomes vivid. The paintings are intended to be serious in spatial and color interplay. My profession, as an architect, requires accuracy and realism, which can become quite exhaustive. My approach to painting is refreshingly opposite while still exploring architecture in this region.
Marlowe:
Pulp art from the 1930s and 1940s represents the best of bold, heart-pumping colors, exaggerated type, and over-the-top graphics to illustrate adventure and fantasy stories. My work pays homage to these styles. I employ multi-media art techniques to create edgy texture and rich color for a vibrant experience. Combining hand-made paper with a dimensional format, shadows are created by the raised artwork so that the illustrations appear to come to life and engage the viewer. The large canvases grab you by the lapels and throw you into the action…are you brave enough to follow?
