Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Flowers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mark, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most recent work represents a significant style change, moving away from an indirect narrative to a more abstract approach. I begin by layering the work with archival, printed original digital images, creating an overall composition through improvisation and spontaneity. During the pandemic, my wife underwent surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical University, and I was unable to be with her due to hospital restrictions. Staying close by I was feeling isolated and in need of a distraction. To fill my time, I began taking long commuter train rides out to the suburbs and back, capturing hundreds of images with my cell phone stuck to the window. These images became the seed for a recent series I call “The Baltimore Series”. It is an exploration of the moving urban landscape, capturing the beauty and complexity of the city’s imagery from a moving commuter train. By layering these images and manipulating their shapes and forms, I create a visual language that is abstract, representational and narrative.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Mark E. Flowers was raised in Greenville, SC and been a resident of the Asheville area since 2014. Mark taught art for 42 years as well as maintained a professional art studio practice. He is now retired from teaching and making art full time. Mark has exhibited his work throughout the United States and in Europe. Mark’s work can be found in 30 public and over 400 private collections. Since 1980, he has had 34 one-person shows. His work has won numerous awards in both regional and national competitions. I use cell phone images as the first layer. Archival prints mounted on panels. By layering these images and manipulating their shapes and forms with paint and markings I create a visual language that is abstract and narrative. They are a visual jazz of a seasoned painter reflecting on events and memories.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a painter is a singular role that from its results can reach many. I am at my freeist in the studio, challenging myself to be patient and listen to my years of experience guide me.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I don’t believe in reproductions of original work. Physical or digital. I am old school in that way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @markflowers
• Facebook: Mountain Tea Studios