If you were looking for an artist statement that’s here, below is a bio.
I spent my formative years in the small, northeastern North Carolina town of Ahoskie. Although I took art lessons and enjoying drawing throughout this time, 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 have continued to be themes for me.
My practice includes painting and object-making, writing, curating and occasionally teaching. 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 29 years and counting.
CV available upon request, just email sterling at sterlingbowen.com.
Photo credit to Bryan Putnam.