We recently connected with Olwen Dowling and have shared our conversation below.

Olwen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I have had two careers. Both in the arts. I feel lucky that I worked in theatre for 20 years and then returned to my art. All that I learned has helped enrich my visual arts. I had a degree in Visual Arts and Biology. Both aspects of learning have also contributed to my understanding of the world as an artist

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It is hard to believe it is almost three years since the pandemic began. I was lucky more than most people because I had my art and my home studio. I also had the opportunity to zoom workshops and keep engaged with the art community in my area. I learned about other mediums : woodcut, photopolymer and just getting back to basic drawing. Things quieted down and any exhibitions I had were postponed or cancelled. There was a kind of stillness about my neck of the woods. It helped bring things somewhat into perspective for me. I started with observing past work and what I was doing during this time. I realized I was focusing on finding peace with all that we were facing. It helped and I was also able to become active by helping to get out the vote. So much of this is still our daily experience. One change which I know is special is that my printmaking co op is back up and running. I cherish my time with this community of artists. Just the energy is healing.

I was a Fellow at The Virginia Center for the Arts in April 2022 and it was a great experience and productive. I met many artists from all disciplines, and we had wonderful evenings of writers reading from their daily works in front of a fire. It was my first residency in the USA. I usually go to the Tyrone Guthrie Center in Ireland. A place I have been fortunate to visit many times over the years. A very special experience.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I wrote this for my exhibition titled STILLNESS: “It seems each day we are feeling our equilibrium askew with a continuing barrage from outside sources that affect much more than we ever imagined. It’s almost unreal in its intensity and disturbance. No matter who or where you are from, something new and awful has occurred to us all. My way of responding is to find a way to try and live my life to its fullest and appreciate how beautiful it can be by doing my art. And- at the same time stay connected and try for change! Time will tell where it all settles. This is very personal because I decided to go back to a time of study that helped me get centered. That is Plant Biology and Nature. Nature and what it brings to our daily lives is the ultimate healer. These monotype, dry points, intaglio etchings , a few oils and a watercolors will center on this experience and hopefully bring a sense of stillness and quietude to the viewer. That is my hope.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was painting and drawing at a very young age and also had an understanding of the entertainment and theatre business. My father and husband were actors. I worked in production and management in the theatre for 20 years. Then, decided to return to my own reality which was the visual arts. Now I am working in a few mediums. I love printmaking in Intaglio etching and monotype and drypoint. I am also a watercolorist and painter. I find that I am fortunate to have made this change in my life in my early 40’s ( I have a degree in Studio Art and Biology) and it made it possible for me to open up another chapter in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.olwendowling.com
• Instagram: Olwen Dowling
• Facebook: Olwen Dowling

Image Credits
All my own images Olwen Dowling