By Gabrielle Brie
Please join us for an artist reception at the Bordello Galeria to welcome Jan Bowen, an exciting new talent to the San Miguel de Allende art scene. Jan’s opening debut coincides with her birthday!
Originally from Austin, Texas, Bowen has called San Miguel home since 2015. Bowen, whose work career was in hospice social work, has always created art as a way to offset the demands of her career. For many years she found that drawing and painting helped her to create that sense of balance. Now retired, she discovered that the historic buildings and magical light of San Miguel have provided her with a rich visual palette and new inspiration. Like many of us taken by surprise by the pandemic in the spring of 2020, when the world seemed to stop turning, Bowen decided to explore new artistic endeavors and threw herself into abstract painting and two types of hand-built sculptures.
Her paintings are done with acrylic on canvas and the sculptures are from two different mediums, homemade porcelain clay and paper mache product, both starting with recycled cardboard stacked together to give the 3D base. Then either paper mache or homemade porcelain clay (made on her stove) is placed over the cardboard pieces. After drying, gesso is applied and then painted with acrylic paints. Recycled orchid sticks are placed in between the cardboard to stand it all up.
Bowen’s debut art show, aptly entitled “Color Me Picasso,” features bold, colorful, stylized portraits of women, and her sculptures echo the same theme. Her love of color, shapes, and textures is reflected in the entire collection. These whimsical, happy faces are sure to delight all who view her work. Bowen has been told her art causes people to smile…the ultimate compliment.
Bowen looks forward to sharing a glass of wine and a bite of chocolate birthday cake at her reception at the fountain patio of Casa de la Noche. Join her this coming Wednesday evening, from 5 to 8pm, where her work will be available for viewing and purchase.
See more of Bowen’s art on her website, JanBowenArt.com, and contact her at Bowenj76@yahoo.com.
Bordello Galerià is located in the public spaces of Casa de la Noche, which is especially known for hospitality and art. Our location is Organos 19, Centro, one-half block off Hernandez Macias. Please visit and bring your smile.
