Get to know this Wilmington artist and his 'concept of memories'
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Chris Fowler of Wilmington (originally from Lumberton), is an artist that knew “a normal job” wasn't for him.
“If I could do things over, I wouldn't go to college, and maybe would have quit high school at 16 and just start painting at that age,” Fowler said.
The StarNews recently interviewed the artist in advance of his latest collection, called "Engrossed," set to go on display at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.
StarNews: How old were you when you became interested in art?
Fowler: I've been drawing since I was a toddler. I still have the first drawing my mother saved when I was 3 years old.
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Was art/painting your career choice?
Art was never anything I decided to do, it was just what I did or part of who I was. I never thought of it as a serious career avenue growing up because most people told me that it wasn't realistic and to make sure to choose a safer option. But I have always done things my own way, which sometimes hasn’t gone over well in the past.
What college did you attend?
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
What job did you have?
I was an art teacher for public schools before I started creating art full time.
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What type of paintings interest you?
I've always been an introspective and introverted person. I reflect on a lot of things that have happened in my life and I've become interested in the concept of memories, which is what the series of paintings "Engrossed" is about. I try to convey this concept in this collection of paintings. "Engrossed" is a series of mixed media works that explores the fleeting nature of dreams and memories.
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Fowler's “Engrossed” paintings will be on display at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland (May 10-June 16). A “meet the artist” reception will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 12. For details, call 910-385-9891.
Contact Cheryl Whitaker 910-343-2004 or at Cheryl.Whitaker@StarNewsOnline.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington artist's latest exhibit on display at Leland arts center
