The Chic Guide: Tell us more about Carolyn Bowles!
Carolyn Bowles, Founder of Carolyn Bowles: Carolyn Bowles is a Cincinnati art studio that creates happy art for the modern home and life.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind your art studio?
Bowles: At the start of the pandemic, as the world was shutting down, I traded in my camera as a professional photographer for a paintbrush to start creating abstract art. It was all about returning to my first love—painting. Coming back to my childhood dream of being an artist is the biggest inspiration to me. To do what I truly believe I was created to do in life. There’s nothing like it. And while my art inspires so many for the bold colors and happy vibes, I think it also sends a deeper message to do whatever it is you’d like to do in life too. The time is now and it’s never too early, or too late, to start.
The Chic Guide: Can you share more about how you create art for work + home?
Bowles: I paint intuitively which means I don’t plan out paintings in advance. Each brushstroke starts with a feeling followed by a reaction to that action. In this ebb and flow manner, I work in many contrasts—a bright color next to a muted one, defined shapes next to energetic marks, thick paint next to thin drippy paint. As I paint layer over layer, a story starts to emerge.
Most of my paintings people see and just know they want to display in their space. It’s like a particular piece calls to them. I love that. However, there are times, someone might want a piece created exactly for them to commemorate a special occasion, tell their personal story, or fulfill an interior design need. In those cases, I love working with people to create a custom commission piece. No matter how it happens, the biggest joy for me as an artist is to have my work displayed in beautiful spaces and treasured in the hearts of those who hold them.
The Chic Guide: What have been some of your favorite projects?
Bowles: Since picking up my paintbrush, I’ve had the honor of working on the coolest, most magical projects! Just this past year, I’ve released two art collections online, had art published in The RozieJune Mag, created art prints for the Handzy shop, participated in local art markets, collaborated on a candle with Olive Roots, and just shipped out my very first large commission piece. What I love about being an artist is that each day is so different. I get to be curious and learn new things all the time. My art, and what I get to create with it, is ever-evolving!
The Chic Guide: What makes your art unique?
Bowles: I believe each person is uniquely made. So, I allow my art to be an expression of me—sharing my optimism, smile, and happy vibes with the world. Rather than hide or dull down the things that make me unique, I shine a bright light on them and magnify those things. When you’re true to yourself, no one can replicate it because no one is like you. So, I embrace this idea when it comes to my art and business.
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Bowles: I love sharing my art journey and building a fun Insta community @carolynbowlesco. People can also learn more on my website at www.carolynbowles.com.
