Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Bowman.
Jessi, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started taking pictures long before I knew it was something you could do for a living, and since that time I have spent my career on both sides of the exhibition world. As a curator and producer, my goal is to create a platform for Houston photographers and enrich our city with non-traditional exhibitions that spark new conversations from often overlooked angles. As an artist, I use photography to look at time and memory as objects, slowing them down so I can better assess and digest my surroundings.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Right now, my main focus is on Polaroid photography. In this series, I use the medium as a way to slow down and enjoy the process of photography again. The images themselves are immediate, tangible objects; physical memories of a place and time captured imperfectly yet sincerely. When one is sold, it is gone from me forever. When I show them, I intend them to feel like objects. In so many ways, we describe our memories as objects– something to hold onto, lose, bring up or push down. The Polaroids physicalize this way of thinking and cause us to confront our memories as something separate from us yet created by us.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
When I figure that one out, I’ll let you know! Balancing a creative life and ensuring your kitchen is filled with everything to make tacos is a daily challenge. I don’t think anyone has a good answer that doesn’t involve either a serious lack of sleep or artistic celebrity. If someone else you talk to has a better idea, make sure to send me their answer!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My personal artwork can be found on Instagram at @jesmix. In December, one of my pieces will be shown at Flatland Gallery. To support FLATS, my pop-up exhibition series, you can find us on Facebook or Instagram at @flatspresents.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.flatspresents.com http://www.jessibowman.com
- Email: flatspresents@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jesmix @flatspresents
Image Credit:
Jessi Bowman
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