Artist Flora Bowley

The creative process is such a personal journey I love to hear about artists who do what they do so well and love their “job”. I came across Flora Bowley a few years ago and have admired her ability to draw you in to her paintings, which I find so calming. Read what Flora has to say about her journey as an artist and the new project she is working on.

What was your inspiration for wanting to be an artist and create?

I think I may have been born to be an artist. My happiest childhood memories included things like sculpting clay that I found near our house, braiding jewelry out of seaweed, amassing large amounts of sea glass and shells from the beach and creating elaborate forts in the woods. As a kid, I was constantly in a state of finding and making, and that never really stopped as I grew older. I also remember trying to sell my early creations, so apparently I was a natural born entrepreneur as well as an artist!

I also believe in following the path of least resistance. Making art and playing with color always came naturally to me, so it was the obvious path to follow. I did not, however, believe I could make a living as an artist. Growing up, I held the belief that only a very small handful of people were “actually artists” and surely I was one of the chosen ones. That way of thinking ended abruptly when I had my first painting show at the age of twenty and sold a couple of paintings. At that point, something clicked and I became somewhat obsessed with the idea of making a living as an artist. I think having a little bit of an obsession is probably what got me to where I am today.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find a lot of my inspiration in the natural world. Roaming around the woods falling in love with seedpods, moss and ferns is still one of my recipes for happiness, but inspiration also comes in many forms and in many unexpected moments throughout the day. I believe inspiration comes through when we allow ourselves to be truly open and really present, so whether I’m in the woods or in the city, I try to focus on openness and awareness. When I’m in that state, I notice more easily the beautiful, odd and intriguing details found in everyday life, and these details end up inspiring my art. Particular fascinations at the moment include street art, textiles from around the world, unexpected fashion mash-ups, Peruvian shamanism and the juxtaposition of grey sky with yellow leaves.

My painting process also provides a great deal of inspiration for me. I approach each piece from a place of curiosity and letting go. I have no interest in knowing what the painting will look like when it’s finished because this would just get in my way and probably be really frustrating. When I can let go of needing to know or having a desired outcome, anything is possible (and painting is way more fun this way.). Color combination and imagery emerge naturally by the process of experimentation. In this way, every painting is a surprise so that is pretty inspiring in and of itself. Being open to change in all moments is another key ingredient of my process. The whole thing becomes a huge metaphor for life, which I love.

What has been some of your more rewarding moments as an artist?

For about sixteen years, I was on a slow and steady path—lots of painting, lots of shows, many ups and downs and a subtle morphing of my style as it developed over time. All this changed about two years ago when I started teaching painting workshops. About two weeks after my first workshop, I was asked to write a book which has now become a top seller in the world of painting books (“Brave Intuitive Painting: Let Go. Be Bold. Unfold,” published by Quarry Books in May, 2012) It was a huge honor and massive project to write the book, but the whole process was really rewarding. I’ve also taught workshops all over the world at this point and I’m in a perpetual state of awe that this is my “job.” I love it! Some other highlights for me over the years include creating large-scale art installations for the Burning Man festival in Nevada, doing live painting at music festivals and having my work licensed by Papaya Art, a company I’ve loved and admired for a long time.

Do you have any news you want to share with dandelion moms?

I would love to tell you about my upcoming online course, “Bloom True: the E-Course.” I’ve poured my heart and soul into this five-week course and it’s something I’m really quite proud of. I’ve had over a thousand people from around the world take the course and the testimonials always blow me away. The focus is on JOY and finding freedom in the creative process. It’s about loosening up, listening to your intuition and being brave. It’s a deep soulful journey and I would love for you to join me. The next course stars on January 28^th, 2013. More info here: https://braveintuitiveyou.com/e-course/

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with you.

Have a beautiful day!

Thank you Flora! I think you said it best that by “Being open to change in all moments is another key ingredient of my process. ” That really does reflect what dandelion moms stands for – to be open to change and enjoy the moments!

And good news dandelion moms! Flora is offering one of her best-selling books for one lucky dandelion mom! Details coming soon!