We were lucky to catch up with Stephen Rowe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was born in Broken Hill, a remote mining town nestled in the Australian outback. Growing up in such an isolated yet tight-knit community left an indelible mark on my perspective and aspirations. At around 15 or 16 years old, my life took an unexpected turn when my aunt recruited me for a ballet performance. Little did I know, that seemingly ordinary moment would ignite a passion that would shape the course of my life.
Stepping onto the stage for that performance, I felt a rush of exhilaration and a deep connection to the art of ballet. It was as if I had discovered a hidden part of myself, one that craved the spotlight and the graceful movements of dance. Encouraged by this newfound passion, I began taking ballet classes, immersing myself in the discipline and beauty of classical dance.
Those initial ballet classes marked the beginning of a remarkable journey—a 17-year career as a professional ballet dancer that would take me across the globe. From the grand theaters of Europe to the bustling cities of America, I had the privilege of sharing my love for dance with audiences of all backgrounds and cultures.
But my journey didn’t end with ballet. Along the way, I found myself drawn to other forms of artistic expression, both on and off the stage. The performing and visual arts became not just a career, but a way of life—a means of channeling my creativity and exploring the boundless possibilities of human expression.
Reflecting on my journey from Broken Hill to the world stage, I’m grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that led me here. Each step, each performance, has shaped me into the person and artist I am today. And while my path may have started in an isolated mining town, my heart and spirit now belong to the world of art and creativity.

Stephen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As an artist my work has drawn inspiration from abstract expressionism and action painting. My work is unique to my hand, infused with my life experiences and distinctive artistic perspective. Born in Broken Hill, an isolated mining town in the Australian outback, influenced my vision and artistic expression.

My approach to art is informed by a diverse background in the arts, having been a professional classical ballet dancer for 17 years, as well as a professional actor and singer-songwriter. My experience in these various fields has given me a keen sense of movement, emotion, and storytelling, all of which inform my artwork.
With the canvas flat on the ground, it allows me to become connected with the work and to move in a way that feels like a dance. This approach is heavily influenced by my years in ballet and creates a powerful visual experience for the viewer. Using a drip technique combined with bold, contrasting colors results in dynamic and spirited compositions.

My paintings appear bright and colorful at first glance, but mixed within, one can see darker hues that lie beneath the surface. These darker colors represent the pain, loss, and struggle that I have experienced in my life. The brighter colors appear on the surface as a veil, hiding my inner turmoil and suggesting a happier exterior. Through my work, I am searching for happiness, finding beauty in the midst of my journey.
Overall, my artwork is a personal and unique take on the abstract expressionist style, infusing my own life and artistic outlook into each piece. This is a continuation of a long tradition of artists who have used their own experiences as inspiration for their artwork.

In addition to the rich history of art practice that my work draws upon, it is also important to consider its place within the competitive landscape of the contemporary art world. As an artist, I am constantly competing for attention and recognition in a crowded and highly competitive field. However, my background in other fields, such as motocross, carpentry, and ballet, has instilled a competitive spirit in me and a drive to succeed. These qualities are reflected in my art, which is a deeply personal expression of my life and emotions.

Coming from a lineage of miners and carpenters, my trade has given me an innate sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is evident in the art. Similarly, my time spent in ballet has instilled in me a sense of discipline and dedication that is essential to any artistic pursuit. Meanwhile acting provided me with an outlet for expressing myself and exploring complex emotions, while music and songwriting have allowed me to escape reality and explore new creative avenues. All of these experiences have come together in my painting, which serves as a powerful outlet for my emotions in my continuous search for happiness.

In my exploration of artistic expression, I delve into the mesmerizing realm of abstract pointillism, where I meticulously arrange distinct dots to form captivating visual patterns. This technique was profoundly influenced by the works of Yayoi Kusama which I had a chance to experience while living in New York City in the early 1990’s. Her masterful manipulation of dots left an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities, prompting me to fuse elements of her style with the rich tapestry of Australian Aboriginal art that I had been exposed to in my youth.
The amalgamation of these diverse influences births a unique aesthetic that is distinctly my own. Each piece demands an unwavering commitment to patience and skill, as I laboriously layer dots on top of vibrant abstract backgrounds. Within this intricate tapestry, lies a narrative of profound emotions—love, life, hurt, and happiness—concealed beneath the veil of dots. These dots, akin to a protective mask, imbue the artwork with an air of mystery and intrigue, inviting viewers to unravel the hidden messages woven within.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal and mission on my creative journey revolve around a continuous search for happiness through the arts, with the overarching aim of bringing joy to the world.
For me, creativity isn’t just a means of expression—it’s a pathway to happiness and fulfillment. Through every dance step, brushstroke, or musical note, I seek to tap into the emotions of life.. Whether I’m performing on stage, creating a piece of art, or engaging with the community, my ultimate purpose is to uplift spirits and inspire positivity.
In a world often marked by challenges and uncertainties, I see the arts as a powerful tool for spreading happiness and fostering connection. Through my work, I aim to evoke emotions, spark laughter, and ignite moments of pure delight in the hearts of audiences near and far.
But beyond the applause and accolades, my mission runs deeper. It’s about leaving a lasting impact—a legacy of happiness and inspiration that transcends boundaries and endures through time. Whether it’s through a captivating performance that leaves audiences spellbound or an art project that brings people together, I strive to create experiences that resonate long after the curtain falls or the paint dries.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My artistic journey has been a series of transformative pivots, each leading me down a new path and enriching my creative experience. It all began with ballet, where I first discovered my love for the stage.
As I continued to evolve as an artist, I felt drawn to painting, finding solace and inspiration in the strokes of a brush. This newfound passion for visual art added depth to my performances and allowed me to express myself in new ways.
But my journey didn’t stop there. A desire to explore music led me to singing and songwriting, opening up yet another dimension of creativity. With each pivot, I found focus and inspiration, with the lessons learned in one discipline shaping and enriching my work in the others.
From ballet to painting to singing/songwriting, each step in my journey has influenced the next, creating a tapestry of experiences that have defined my artistic identity. Through it all, I’ve embraced change and the opportunity to grow as an artist, allowing each pivot to lead me towards new horizons of creativity and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephenroweart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srowie
• Facebook: https://www.facewbook.com/brokenhillboy