Jon Rowe: "My Bogeyman Life"
This week START Gallery is excited to showcase Jon Rowe’s My Bogeyman Life, with an opening reception on Valentine’s Day. As he is only a junior, it is a huge accomplishment to have a solo exhibition, but due to his bold subject matter and painting skills it is well deserved. Check out this Q&A to learn a little bit more about his original artistic approach.
Q: How did your journey start with the START Gallery?
A: The first thing I ever had at START was a painting that ended up going in the student exhibition at Hanes and it eventually became the postcard there. Then I became an intern in the Fall of 2011. As an intern, I was already eyeing the STARTyourself program which is a great opportunity for student artist to utilize START Gallery. Basically, I applied for the program last semester (Fall 2012) and because I already had a large body of work and I had a reasonable artist statement, I was put in the Spring 2014 exhibition schedule. But I have always had good feelings towards START; it’s an amazing place. Otherwise, I wouldn’t keep coming back.
Q: What will you be showcasing within your solo exhibition?
A: I am showing some plaster sculptures, cast clocks, and multiple series of oil paintings. Additionally, I plan to show various drawings, ranging from gouache to simple pen on paper. For those of you unfamiliar with gouache it is basically a type of opaque watercolor.
Q: How long have you been making this body of work? Are they from past studio classes or your personal time?
A: The concept of My Bogeyman Life started last spring, but the original thought for this work was always present throughout the work I did in class. However, my independent studies with Professor Leigh Ann Hallberg was where these ideas started to fall in place.
Q: Describe your creative process.
A: There are many techniques within My Bogeyman Life that I have never really done before. I have a series of clocks that required making a silicone mold. I had to try about 5 or 6 times to have a piece that was even remotely usable. Part of it is my own impatience of checking on the silicone when it was not dry. Side note, that stuff smells horrible! On the other hand, there are mediums I am extremely comfortable with, but making a new series with new material requires time and experimentation.
Q: Where does the title “My Bogeyman Life” come from?
A: Well, we have all heard it - “I have to do this and be good or the Bogeyman will come get me in my sleep.” My work, such as the masks and creatures, emphasizes this element of compliance. It is a direct reflection of the self and the journey of accomplishing a body of work.
Q: Are there aspects of the show you are excited or nervous about?
A: I would say I am excited to see it all set up. I can visualize it in my mind, but it is different than literally seeing it all side by side. At the same time, that is also my biggest fear. I am hopeful that the show will be a success and come together in a unique way that the audience can appreciate.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: First at Wake Forest the plan is to survive through all of my classes. Honestly, I find studio art classes to be the most challenging. Going through 3 hour shots of time is just difficult for me - my mind wanders. I strive to do work that I can be proud of. I plan to do honors and be strong academically. I still have one more year to go, but once I graduate, I want to be more acquainted with the art world. The path to graduate school is completely open ended right now because there is so much I am considering before I go. We will see what the future holds.
Q: Last but certainly not least, where did your passion for art begin?
A: Before I came here, I went to governor’s school for art, basically an intensive program over the summer. Then when I got to Wake Forest, I fell in love with painting. Truthfully, I thought I would be a dentist or something along those lines because I was always fond of math and science. During my first semester, I took art classes to meet the requirements and I ended up never stopping. I kept finding my way into new artistic opportunities, including being offered to go on the art buying trip. In essence, there was no specific point when I knew I loved art. Instead, it was little by little and now I can’t see it not being a part of me. That is not to say I would turn my back on other things I also like, such as math and science, since most of the time they translate into my work. That is also a part of who I am, I do not think I will ever escape that clinical, cerebral approach.
My Bogeyman Life will be up through February 14 - March 2 with an opening reception Thursday Feb, 14 from 5pm-7pm.
