Meeet Joshua Bowman: Creative & Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Bowman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, what inspires you?
Originally as a young boy I was very interested in graffiti. My stepfather whom raised me is from New Jersey right out side of Manhattan. Visiting sometimes multiple times a year, I fell in love with NYC and the art I would see while i ride the train and explored the city. The vibrant colors of the street art, complimented by the rustic cold city space, I never wanted to leave. Still to this day I am very drawn to bright colors, showing up in my work time and time again. The daily challenge to learn something new, implement a new technique, or simply grow as an artist is a constant source of inspiration as well. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Working under successful artists Chris Patton and Jerry Kry in while college in Santa Barbara was the initial step to me diving in deep helping with my hands on to create pieces that would later be sold. In that time I was tattooing out of my apartment to help pay for living costs and during this time I realized I could support my self off of my own art. After four years in SB I moved to Los Angeles to pursue an art career. I had studied graphic design and marketing in my years at University of Colorado Denver and Santa Barbara City College so I figured making logos and graphics would be the best way to survive financially in Los Angeles. I soon found my self surrounded by musicians and other creatives looking for art, graphic designs, and tattoos. Living in Hollywood I knew that the tourist population in Venice Beach was extremely high so I rented a space from the city under my LLC 12th Story and began selling art on the boardwalk. It was a great way to showcase my art to thousands of people daily but the location held its own issues. Selling in Venice is highly competitive and can be dangerous. I later ditched the idea of selling in Venice for multiple reasons, and focused more on tattooing and my graphics while posting art in the streets later in the evenings. A couple years passed and my girlfriend and I were looking to leave Los Angeles. Denver would allow me to create large works that I was unable to make in my small space in LA. I’m originally from Boulder and grew up in Louisville and Superior. Since moving back to Denver in 2018 Ive focused mainly on larger paintings and some mural commissions. I have Showcased work in Space Gallery at 400 Santa Fe Dr and Artaos Gallery 2822 E 17th Ave as well as a couple boutiques Downtown. This year I have two murals up off of Wadsworth as well as one in Louisville off of main street. I believe what sets me apart is my focus on multiple mediums, allowing me to not be stuck to one style or subject matter. I have thrown out the concept what my art needs to be, and stopped looking what is selling or popular. I feel great original art comes from within our own personal experiences and how we can all connect back to ideas, imagery, and color.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Such a tough question. I would eat, eat, eat, I love food and to eat with my friends and family. Countless restaurants in Denver Spuntino, Postino, Cuba Cuba, Leven, Potager, Fruition. Those are some of my favorites. Main street Breck is a must, ski or hike and get a crepe from Crepes a la Cart. Definitely catch a Broncos game and hit a show at Red Rocks. And I love the Celtic Irish Pub, a homey horse racing pub downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a mentor George Elias, a VC originally from Venice Beach that would constantly ring my bell. Holding me to a plan while i was in my early 20s living in Los Angeles. Instilling the mentality that daily persistence toward a set goal would yield future results. As well as coaching me along the rigorous journey of entrepreneurship through his own personal experience. Emily Hightower, my amazing girlfriend whom ive been dating for almost 6 years. She truly is my other half and has been by my side throughout my major success and failures as an artist, young adult and entrepreneur. My mother and step father Chris and Mary, though un easy about watching me make my own decisions in life; have always told me I was able to achieve anything I wanted. And I believed them. Instilling confidence in another human is priceless.

Website: voguegarcon.bigcartel.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ak.jet
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabowmankolbenschlag/