Osoyoos artist Alicia Fowler poses with her painting ‘Lion of Judah.’ She came to Osoyoos in June 2017. (Contributed photo)
Alicia Fowler is an artist who has lived in Osoyoos since June 2017.
Originally from the United States, she is now a Canadian citizen and spent several years in Victoria before moving to the Okanagan. Before coming to Osoyoos, she lived in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver.
In the fall she joined Artists on Main. Her art has been displayed throughout the Okanagan.
Vi Brown, a freelance writer who leads a writing group in Oliver, recently interviewed Fowler. An edited version of the interview follows.
Vi Brown: How did you get started as an artist?
Alicia Fowler: When I lived in Tucson, Arizona many years ago, I was asked to join a group and learn to paint. It seemed a little ludicrous since I didn’t know how to draw, but I decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long before it became a passion of mine.
VB: Were you painting throughout the years in the U.S. and in Canada?
AF: I had a family and worked as a nurse while in Tucson. I also enjoyed sewing for my family and even did alterations for others. Church involvement has always been important to me. At one time, I was a pastor for a small deaf congregation in my community and interpreted for them. Occasionally I managed to carve out a little time for painting.
I also spent several years in the mission field. Papua New Guinea was one of the places where I worked as a missionary. It was quite an experience living without electrical power, adjusting to the foods that were available – a variety of greens but little meat. It was culturally very different but also rewarding. While there, I did do some sketching of scenes around me with the intention of eventually capturing some of these memorable experiences on canvas.
VB: Most of your work is in acrylics. Have you worked in other mediums?
AF: In the beginning, I was so comfortable with oil that I never thought of changing mediums. However, when I had the opportunity of trying acrylics, I fell in love with the pure crispness and sharpness of the colours and decided to continue in that medium.
During that period, I was encouraged to try pastels, charcoals and watercolours. I found, I just didn’t have the knack for watercolours. I did some training with a commercial artist who sharpened my skills in drawing, sketching and shading. Much of that was done with pencil. It was a great experience.
VB: Where do you get your inspiration?
AF: I like to attempt things that present a challenge and are fun.
But my ultimate inspiration comes from my relationship with God. He is the central focus of my life. Sometimes, when I see something, there is an excitement in me and I know that I have to put it on canvas. I always want His love to show through my paintings. Painting for any other reason, for me, would seem like a waste of time.
VB: How do you select the subject of your work?
AF: That’s a bit difficult to answer. As I said, sometimes I just know what to paint. But, my painting is also influenced by where I live and where I am at a particular stage in my life. Living where I live now, I am drawn to the current landscape of vineyards, orchards, lakes and hills.
There are times when I look at some of my past work and wonder what could have possibly been in my head at that time! Sometimes creativity shows up in unusual ways.
VB: Do you have any favourite subjects you like to paint?
AF: I paint what I “know.” By that I mean I paint subjects that I am familiar with or have experienced.
I once attempted painting a tall ship in rough seas. I had never been around tall ships and certainly had no inner feeling for rough seas. I had lived in landlocked states most of my life. I spent a great deal of time in the Colorado Rockies and in the Arizona desert, none of which prepared my “eye” for painting the ocean. Consequently, this attempt was a complete artistic disaster.
Since then, I have stuck to what I “know.”
VB: Some of your paintings depict Africa. Does travelling inspire you?
AF: Travel definitely inspires me because it exposes me to yet more of God’s creation. I find myself studying these subjects. Much like the writer who, in order to write well, must research his subject. So too, as an artist, I must research what I paint.
I want to know about what I’m painting. When I was in Africa, I experienced the joy of seeing these magnificent animals in their environment. It was after the rains, so everything was lush and the animals looked healthy and content. There were herds of wildebeest roaming as far as the eye could see. I had the opportunity to see the big cats, elephants, zebras, giraffes and much more. That trip inspired several paintings among them “The Lion of Judah,” “The Watering Hole,” “Young Male Lion” and more.
Other travels, especially those through Europe, have also elicited several subjects for paintings. So, a part of my research is the feelings I experience during my travels.
VB: What projects are you working on now?
AF: I have just done a series of wildlife paintings – a Himalayan Red Panda, several foxes, birds, coyotes, moose, deer and so on. I am now switching gears and am currently experimenting with a new technique and working on landscapes. I intersperse my regular work with pastels and pencil sketches of people and do some portrait paintings. At one of the workshops I attended, we were challenged to copy an old master. I chose to do Renoir – The Girl with the Yellow Straw Hat. It was a fun experience to attempt a different style of painting.
VB: Do you have any formal training or are you primarily self-taught?
AF: I have always attended art groups where skills and techniques were shared. My studies with professionally educated artists have helped me greatly with new techniques and creative ways to express my art. I’m open to instruction and new ideas so that I can grow and mature in my craft.
VB: Where can people see your work?
AF: I generally have some pieces displayed at local art shows. I am a member of the Osoyoos art group. Also, my work is available for viewing and ordering on my website aliciafowler.pixels.com. You can obtain prints and have a print reproduced on tote bags, coffee cups and even shower curtains! For original paintings, you have to contact me directly. Periodically, I do commissioned work.
VB: What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?
AF: As silly as this may seem, the biggest excitement for me is when others enjoy my work and tell me. I love it!
VI BROWN
Special to the Times
Northern Cardinal 1 by Alicia Fowler.
Oh, loved this., is awesome to hear/see you again.
Bless you! n