About

If you were looking for an artist statement that’s here, below is a bio.

I grew up in the small, northeastern North Carolina town of Ahoskie in the eighties. Although I grew up taking art lessons and enjoying drawing, the first time I fell in love with painting- I should clarify, “abstract painting”-  was senior year of high school. Up in the attic of my parents house I found one of Pop’s old stretchers from his undergraduate days  (art minor), around which I wrapped a bed sheet I think. I went at it with a bunch of old house paint and something about the challenge of making an image without relying on naturalism captured me instantly and forever.

When I left the small town life I was never destined for, I studied architecture fine art and humanities at UNC Charlotte as an undergraduate. Like all serious artists I tried grad school; a temporary break from that shortly turned into extended time away from painting. I began creating again in 2016 at a time when I was navigating dual challenges- changing careers very unexpectedly, and caring for our oldest as they struggled with life-threatening mental health challenges. Part of that process involved Dialectical Behavior Therapy which began my education and interest in the value of learning to hold onto conflicting truths (I am hurting and I can survive for example). It was this crucible that centered my practice on contemplation and contradiction, which I shortly anchored around a drawing system which was a legacy of my grad school work.

My practice includes painting, making objects, blogging, teaching, and curating. During the day and for the last two+ decades, I have worked to decarbonize our electric grid. I am a father of two. I live in Raleigh, NC, with my summer camp bestie, college sweetheart and spouse of 28 years and counting. When I’m not working, making art or traveling I try to spend my time working on my community here in my forever home.

OK cool, what is your *work* about

CV available upon request, just email sterling at sterlingbowen.com.