We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Bowman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My parents are both local artists. I grew up watching my dad run a successful antique restoration business working with museums and collectors. My mom teaches ceramics at Tarrant County College and I spent time playing in the studio with her as a kid. We always went to art museums and my childhood home was full of handmade furniture and ceramics. I was always encouraged to make art, take art classes, and develop my creativity. My subjects in art were always animals, and growing up I usually said I wanted to be a zoologist. Originally, I wanted to make science my career to study animals, travel, and help conserve endangered species.

In my senior year of high school I was confronted with the reality that I was taking more art classes than science classes and my teachers suggested art school as a real possibility based on the work I was making. It wasn’t what I had planned, but it seemed like a better fit for me than a traditional college experience and I was more excited by the idea of making art for a living. My parents were supportive as always, and surprised that I had chosen a path so close to their own. When I was accepted on a scholarship to one of the finest art schools in the country, the Kansas City Art Institute, they were thrilled.

Once in art school, an artistic career seemed more possible than ever. My artistic style became more unique and I developed both strong concepts and craftsmanship within my work. I was surrounded by challenging mentors who had successful artistic careers and taught me professional practices as an artist. I was a very hard working student and my persistence helped me to continue working the arts after school.

Science and animals are still a big part of my artistic research and an inspiration for the work that I create. In my creative career I have found a way to combine my two passions; using art and science to create animal sculpture that reconnects people with the wonders of natural history.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The goal of my work is to bridge the gap between art and science. My work is unique in its ability to exhibit in both natural history museums and fine art galleries. Each of my sculptures combines scientific research with artistic skills to create believable reconstructions of prehistoric animals. I present these animals in different contexts that cause the viewer to question their place within natural history.

Artistic careers are never easy to begin or maintain. My persistence, intense work ethic, and versatility help me to overcome the day to day challenges of being an artist. I manage several different revenue streams and have to manage my time in the studio between operating other aspects of my business.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is that you have to really love the creative life to continue to do it despite everything that works against you. I have learned that loving what you do is the best way to be successful at it.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that science and art can come together, bringing us closer to the natural world and question our place within it. Understanding the past leads to new discoveries that change the way we see the world and ourselves within it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Dallas I would show a visiting friend all the great art museums and galleries we have in the area. In particular, the Dallas Museum of Art, The Kimbell Museum of Art, and the Amon Carter. I would also bring them to the Perot museum to see the natural history collections there. Other places to eat and drink would include Christina’s Restaurant, Bartley’s Barbeque, and the craft breweries of Deep Ellum like Braindead Brewing. I would show them the work of local artists in art galleries like Ro2 Art, Craighead Green, and Mary Tomas Gallery on Dragon Street in the design district. I also love the hiking and horseback riding trails around Grapevine Lake near my home in Flower Mound.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, Alton and Sweety Bowman and my husband Drew Hammel. Their support has been constant and unwavering throughout my career. I also want to thank my mentors. These are people in the field of ceramics who have inspired me and provided me with opportunities and education: Cary Esser, George Timock, Nan Smith, Chris Riccardo, and Beth Cavener. I also want to thank my Patreon members who currently provide monthly financial support to my studio helping me continue my research, make new work, and send pieces to shows.

Website: www.arielbowman.com

Instagram: @ariel.bowman

Youtube: Ariel Bowman

Other: Support my work on Patreon: www.patreon.com/arielbowman Watch live streams and online workshops on Crowdcast: www.crowdcast.io/arielbowmanceramics

Image Credits
Annmarie Furlong, Joshua Hobson, Ariel Bowman

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