kathryn bowman the artist
Everything we do throughout our lives leads us to being able to fulfill our life's purpose. It is our job to listen to each experience for its true lesson.
My
Story -
The Short Version
An artist from
day one, I’ve always been creating something. I have
been drawing, painting, sewing, and stitching since I was quite
young. I really do believe that I've had a needle in my hand
since I could hold on to one.
At twenty I became a flight attendant (hostess in those days) traveling to many foreign destinations over the years. I always made it a point to visit museums, cathedrals, and galleries to view great art. That opportunity has been a gift that continues to inspire me today and gave me a broad view of the world we live in.
After years of flying, I felt the need to pursue a more creative career. I obtained a degree in graphic design and worked in that field for a while. I soon found that although I enjoyed the creative aspects, sitting in front of a computer all day, every day wasn't satisfying my need to work with my hands. A friend of mine was getting into making lampwork beads and I started playing with her beads. In a short time I was hooked. The great breadth of color and textural possibilities of bead work connected easily to my life time of working with fiber. That wasn't’t good enough though, I wanted every aspect of my jewelry pieces to be handmade. Creating the metal parts for my jewelry, lead to my journey into metalsmithing. Learning to manipulate metal has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities that I will continue to explore for the rest of my life. Every step of the way along this path, I've met great people with whom I can share ideas and spread the passion for this amazing art form.
Since I've made the leap of faith to work as a studio artist, every day is filled with creative excitement. I am passionate about sharing what I know about jewelry making, so a lot of my time is filled with teaching and writing. The past ten years have been a return to my true self, that of an artist and always creative being.
The Society of Midwest Metalsmiths
President
SMM was Established in January 1995 as a Non-Profit Organization. The Society's goal is to promote, develop, educate, and encourage individuals who are interested in metalsmithing.The organization provides a newsletter, workshops, lectures, an online chat group, a free online members gallery, juried exhibitions and a friendly exchange of ideas for its members. Membership is open to all, without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.
St. Louis Bead Society
Member
The St. Louis Bead society was created to bring beaders together, from beginner to artist, to share our love of beads in jewelry and accessory design.
The society is in its third year and has a year of events, socials, demos and workshops lined up for you to enjoy throughout the year. Being a STLBS member offers you:
- 9 Meetings/Events throughout the year plus Summer Bead-Ins.
- A quarterly newsletter.
- 5 skill based projects/classes throughout the year
- Participation in a spring service project.
- Fun, Fellowship & BEADS !!!!!
American Craft Council
Member
The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a 2006 leadership conference on craft, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, a specialized library, workshops and seminars.
BOOK-Project
Kalmbach Publishing Company
Whirling Peyote
MAGAZINE Articles
Three Articles will be out in 2010. Watch for their publication announcement here or in my newsletter.
Spring 2010 Linkn' Ladder
Summer 2009 Clear Blue Sky
Spring 2009 Spring Enchantment
Winter 2009 Hot Chili Bracelet
Right Angle Weave Special Addition 2008
June 2008 Whirling Peyote
Fall 2008 Wavy Washers
