deanevbowersart.com/
@deanevbowersart
About the Artist
As a self-taught Artist, Deane V. Bowers’ creative process is guided by two principles. First and foremost, produce art that makes people happy. Second, strive to be an Environmentally Conscientious Artist whose work has a positive impact on the Environment and celebrates Repurposing as an Art Form. Using mostly discarded, abandoned and reclaimed materials, her “Environmental Folk Art” honors those forgotten things. That shattered, busted and cracked piece of metal or wood lying in the streets or on the beach is the focal point of her Found Object Sculptures. There is an abundance of items thrown away, left behind and forgotten on a daily basis that are free, plentiful and readily available. Every nail, screw, bottle cap, piece of wood, wire or metal has its own story as it has gone through some journey to end up discarded. Each item was useless on its own. The twisted nails, metal scraps, and old bottle caps display an individual weak roughness, but when paired with other fragmented pieces, they convey strength. Their interaction with one another is accomplished through detailed layering in a graphic and interesting medley highlighted with bold, vibrant colors to create an unusual balance of Industry and Art. When damaged, disconnected and incomplete things come together in an unexpected and imaginative way, a distinct plainness becomes a raw form of beauty. Who would have thought a pull-tab or bottle cap could be repurposed as a fish gill? Or a broken coat hanger serve as the outline of a bird or strings to a guitar or banjo?
There is a message of Hope, Fresh Starts, New Beginnings and Second Chances woven into every piece of Deane’s art. By giving ordinary objects creative value, she brings out the best in these things and celebrates their flaws and imperfections as their greatest features. The rusted, street worn items used are a constant reminder that even the most damaged and irregular things have value. By discovering the goodness and the rich potential in that broken piece of wood, wire or metal, she hopes that her art will encourage others to embrace and celebrate their own shortcomings and challenges and see them as beautiful, unique characteristics that make them who they are.
Deane currently lives on the marsh out on Seabrook Island, a barrier island outside of Charleston. She has the privilege of being a wife and mother to 4 wonderful grown children.