Lorraine Bowen

When I am most certain about how terrible the world is and start a new painting I’m sure will capture its misery and pain, out comes some silly guy or loving spirit who looks back at me with an affirmation of the great generosity of the universe.

I have been painting since the late 1980s. Groomed from childhood for a career in theater, I surprised myself by seeking out a quiet, family-centered life. Making paintings became a way to speak without words, without the construct of a character, using images that come from places untouched by artifice.

At least, that is what I hope I do. Sometimes I paint what I have dreamt. Sometimes I paint without any idea beforehand. And sometimes I have a feeling so overwhelming that a painting is the only way to give it air so that I am at peace.

I hope to be able to paint for the rest of my life.

The love of my husband and family and support from a community of friends have made it possible for me to live exactly as I dream of living—grateful for this time, grateful for this life.