Sometimes when looking at art you need something bold to excite you.
When you go to contemporary art fairs it feels like you don’t get a lot of realism. It is more about art with a message or concept. No matter how cool the concept in concept art is, there is something familiar, maybe even warm and cozy, about realism. From South Africa to the Florida Keys, Sandra Bowyer makes a statement with her bold, realistic pieces.
Art and creativity have always been a part of Bowyer’s life. As a child, you could always find her doodling in her spare time. Her mother was her greatest influence; she painted intricate birds and plants in fine detail.
“Throughout my life, I have used my creativity in many ways, not only on canvas,” she said. “This ranged from working with mosaics in Greece, where I created beautiful, one-of-a-kind furniture, to papier-mâché art which very successfully sold in a local art gallery in Durban, South Africa. The longest period was spent designing leather-beaded sandals, bags, belts and dog collars made by a small group of women in Kenya. These wonderfully talented artisans were given training and empowered to be independent. Together we created beautiful and unique products sold in Europe and the USA.”
She met many artisans and artists during her travels, which were a major influence throughout her artistic journey.
Bowyer says that now her art is realism.
“I love to paint what I see with my naked eye or through a camera lens and then adapt it to canvas,” she said. “The environment is my art. Having been blessed with a childhood growing up in Africa and living in many countries of the world thereafter, I have been exposed to such a variety of environments, all having an immense impact not only on my art but in shaping me in every way.”
What Bowyer loves about living in the Keys is the beautiful outdoor lifestyle revolving around the ocean and all that it offers.
“I love the community spirit in the Upper Keys, the slightly quirky locals and the variety of artists that live there.”
Bowyer paints mostly people in nature and wildlife with a focus on colors. Her best art comes when she is inspired. Her art comes from quiet moments when not too much is going on in the periphery to distract her creative mind.
“Presently, I am loving painting wildlife, nature and all the colors found therein. I would say that I am forever in transition and evolving, so much so that this could change from one day to the next.”Expect to see Bowyer start exploring the world of two-dimensional art which incorporates texture in her canvas from mostly recycled everyday objects. You can find Bowyer’s work at sandrabowyerfineart.com.
