Rowan Bathurst
AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.
AQ Volume IV artist Rowan Bathurst lives and works between Baltimore, MD, and São Paulo, Brazil. Primarily focusing on portraiture of women, she paints from her own photographs of close friends while incorporating elements and familiar landscapes from her time living in rural Brazil and backpacking through the continents.
Beyond her latest exhibition, Bathurst’s recent work focuses on creating a dialogue between present-day women and prehistoric artifacts, particularly Venus figurines and ceramic antiquities.
Inspired by these archaeological pieces, feminist history, and our instinctive connection to the earth, the paintings radiate warmth, sisterhood, and a profound, innate bond that we share with our lineage. The work offers a different perspective when observing women in art, one that emanates tranquility and confidence while maintaining vulnerability. Mysticism and primitivity are a part of every human; her paintings invite the viewer to discover and praise that history we carry within us.
Bathurst earned her BFA in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2018. Her work has been collected and exhibited locally and internationally in solo and group exhibitions. She was nominated as a participating artist for The Rema Hort Mann Foundation in 2022. Alongside her studio practice, she participates in mural work internationally, including Walls off Washington Festival, Baltimore Convention Center, and more.
www.rowanbathurst.com
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
Art was introduced into my life as a teenager in high school. I never had much interest in other subjects, but when I first started drawing and painting, I knew immediately this was my path. It was like the puzzle piece in my life that was missing, and it felt so natural for me to use art as a way of communication and expression. It was difficult committing to this path, but I knew there was always a way. There were a lot of small steps to get to where I am now, and all I can say is that it is gradual.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
My recent work is inspired by my friends. I photograph them dancing and feeling comfortable in their own skin. I want to show the profound nature of being a woman, especially tying our history of creating artifacts and Venus figurines to the present day. Now, I am currently working on a series of paintings about sisterhood in summertime.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
The most challenging part is putting in so much effort and not receiving immediate results. For example, last year I had almost no mural work and only one group exhibition, but I spent almost every day painting in the studio and applying to walls. This year, I'm using the work I made to have two solo exhibitions, and I have had eight murals so far this year. It truly ebbs and flows, so getting comfortable with that idea has been a challenge for me.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
Experimentation is extremely important as an artist! It will always be something you can learn from, whether or not you like what you decide to branch off and create. For me, I love to work in test paintings – a loose, 3-4 hour long experiment on a small canvas to loosen up my brush stroke and test compositions. This method helps me lose a bit of ultra rendering I can get lost in.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
I always start with music, a reference printout, and a huge glass of water.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
I hope my art makes you feel the magic you have within yourself and I hope it reminds you to see the beauty in small things.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
"Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable" and "Every day is another chance."
