Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhianna Bowyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rhianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
The Artist Community in Kansas City has given me a safe space to share my work and aspirations as a visual-based creative that is continuously learning how to make work focused on personal stories and insecurities in a beautiful way. KC is the city I was born and raised in, yet finding connections in the art scene before and more so after 2020 sometimes feels intimidating because of the admiration I hold for Kansas City Artists. When I hear the stories shared by my community it is an act of kindness that often melts my heart and in turn helps me know there is a reason to share mine. I’m honored to exchange and display that kindness with our small group of local artists in the Crossroads.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My work deals with various mediums! I love painting portraits of my own personal whimsy and more traditional depictions of loved ones. I primarily work in oil, acrylic, and digital media. This summer, I released a new series of holographic stickers and a limited run of prints and postcards. Some of my design work includes book covers and character/graphic novel illustrations. During First Fridays from the spring through the fall, I curate the Artists Alley hosted by Mission Taco Joint, 409 E 18th St KCMO, along with a close-knit group of local artists: Elizabeth Akmal, Hillary Green, Tiffany Johnson, Erin Kennedy and Erica Tatsumi. Our First Friday Art Show displays 3d printed designs, screen printing, painting, drawing, sculpture, and the occasional performance piece. Our Show is open to new and visiting artists looking to guest show their work. I’m so proud to share space with artists that support each other and actively believe in giving new artists a comfortable space to share their work.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When an original painting resonates with a buyer is one of the most magical moments for me. I have the privilege to paint purely under my own direction, but not always, especially as a professional considering finances. My personal work often embodies a moment of time in my life where I need to work through insecurities, triumphs, pride, passion, fears, longings, and everything else that might reject the notion of desirability or profitability. There is always a story and sometimes It is more direct than others – but when someone chooses to take that painting home for whatever reason it connects with them – that gives me a feeling like I’ve transformed tough times into something beautiful.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think for many people who start their creative/artists journey as a professional, at whatever point in life, there is a sense that it must be profitable to be valid and I think that comes from a non-creative lens. While I understand ROIs and business terms are important and should be celebrated – I think for so many amazing local creatives theses tangible goals determine how people see and respect creatives as professionals and it isn’t the end all be all. I think it’s important to validate artists as professionals regardless of their position on their journey and I think the journey doesn’t have to have an end that relates to finances to be worthwhile. In some ways – finding your income and a sustainable lifestyle isn’t strictly based on creating and producing a product while at the same time it absolutely can be and both. I hope non-creatives see the artists in their lives as being on a spectrum regarding the definition of professionalism and that both ends are valid. Goals and Success is what you make of it and what a creative can define themself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rhiannabowyer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannabowyer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhianna-bowyer/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannabowyerart/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/jaynoirephotography/ https://www.instagram.com/theambersonsproject/