Ceramic Sculptor Jim Bowling Uses the Human Form to Explore Social, Political and Spiritual Themes
By Laura Savage, Executive Director of the Ohio Art League
Ceramic artist Jim Bowling’s work is currently on display at the Ohio Art League’s Fall Juried Exhibition at the Richard M. Ross Museum at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware. We chatted with him about his work!
Laura: You currently has three pieces on display in the Ohio Art League’s Fall Juried Exhibition. Please tell us about yourself!
Jim: I am a sculptor living and working in Columbus. Focusing on contemporary expressions of the male form, I primarily work in clay but frequently incorporate found objects into my work. In addition to my studio practice, I am a Professor of Art at Otterbein University’s Department of Art and Art History, teaching in the areas of ceramics, sculpture and 3D design.
Laura: Tell us about your current art-making process.
Jim: My work tends to be narrative in nature, which drives my process. It is typically both figurative and personal, and the “story” often explores themes on my mind at the time. I’m intrigued by the connection of surface to form in creating meaning, and often start thinking about the surface as part of the building process. I also respond to the versatility and malleability of clay – its possibilities and restrictions operate in an interesting “yin/yang” relationship that intrigues me and keeps me thinking in different ways. As much as possible, I try to incorporate all these aspects into my creative process.
Right now, I’m interested in how we define ourselves from our personal experiences and histories. As part of that exploration, I’m looking at the figure as a patchwork of different textures and forms reflective of our life journey. These experiences can seem disparate or even disconnected, and I express this through the use of clashing colors, textures and patterns juxtaposed to one another. But, as in life, it all works together to define our path.
Laura: Can you tell us a little bit about your participation in the Ohio Art League?
Jim: I was introduced to the Ohio Art League early in my art career and met wonderful artists in my local community with which to engage. I studied ceramics at the Ohio State University in a post-baccalaureate program and was new to exploring art as a career path. OAL proved to be a great way to make connections with other artists and enhanced the community I was developing at university.
I left the Columbus area in the late 90’s, returning a few years later to teach at Otterbein University. The Ohio Art League once again helped me reconnect to the arts community through exhibitions and events hosted by OAL. It also reminded me of the importance of grounding myself in the local arts community even as I explore opportunities outside of the region – like having a home base.
Laura: What are some of your favorite things to do as an artist in Columbus?
Jim: Exploring the variety of arts-based venues and events in the area, whether it be in the visual arts or other expressions – music, theater, poetry, etc. I also love walking around and observing day-to-day life in different communities, kind of like getting a pulse of the area. Over the last few years, I’ve become really interested in street art, and like to keep my eyes open for what’s happening on random walks through neighborhoods.
Jim’s work can be seen at the Ohio Art League’s Fall Juried Exhibition at the Richard M. Ross Museum at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio through Sept. 27, 2024. The exhibition is free.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.