Tim Lowke
Leander, Texas
Website
timlowke.com
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
My current work is a continued exploration of color, texture, text and repetition. I find that I am interested in the cast off pieces of our lives, that in the moment have meaning. From birthday cards to imagery we create, deconstructing and reassembling only the meaningful pieces creates a new and exciting image that I feel causes my viewers to peer closely into the work, and connect with their origins, while exploring a new visual whole.
What inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by my world around me and most specifically color, pattern and repetition. My process has been compared to strip piecing or quilting. Strip piecing is a patchwork quilt-making technique that is accomplished by sewing multiple fabrics together to create a “strip set” that looks just like a portion of a quilt block. The strip set is cut apart to yield segments that replace two or more pieces of fabric. I employ a similar method with found materials and papers I construct. I really enjoy this comparison, as when I was young, my paternal grandmother taught me to sew and I remember making a quilt block in fourth grade – fast forward and I see this process continuing in my current practice. Thus, I have brought multiple experiences and processes into my current work including the incorporation of a personal practice of kintsugi (golden joinery) from time spent in Japan within my imagery. It is interesting to note that I am now currently working on a series of work where I am sewing both with a machine and by hand directly into my mixed media papers. I work to continually explore themes and investigations from my daily life as an artist, educator, father, and gardener in 21st century Texas.
Can you speak about your process?
I am always interested in speaking about my work, my process and the place the arts hold both in my life and how rich they can also be for others that I work with as an art educator.
How did you become interested in art?
My parents were always exposing my brother, sister and I to whatever we deemed intesting. When I was nine, I was given summer art lessons for my birthday when we lived in Brownwood, Texas. I found my people, my passion and my niche and continued to be a maker from that point forward. Fast forward to high school and I decided to be an art educator because of my high school art teacher. I didn't know you could go to school to be an art educator til my senior year. The rest has been a journey.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
I honestly find something to love about most artists - the ones I seek out at museums are the Impressionists (Monet), Post Impressionists (Van Gogh) and specific artists like Calder, Rothko, OKeeffe, Haring and so many more. I also love to look at current working artists in my region and during my travels. There are so many interesting things happening in art right now. I am an avid reader and enjoy bouncing around genres and between fiction and non-fiction. Most recently, I have just finished The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. The quote I have been focusing on recently is from Ted Lasso "Be curious, not judgemental" - this has fueled some of my recent equity and inclusion work with the fine arts faculty I lead in Round Rock ISD.
What advice do you have for younger artists?
I could talk about young people forever --- probably just don't be afraid to take risks, love the work you create (that took me a long time to get to in my journey as a artist) and don't take others opinions too heart - they may not like your work, but there is an audience out there that will.
