Dianne Bowell
MA Fine Art 2006
Middlesbrough-based artist Dianne Bowell explores the beauty in the daily objects through her art. Throughout her career her art practice has used many media, including painting, inked work, sculpture, installation and site specific work.
"My work explores beauty, femininity, love, passion and a sense of self. The inspiration comes from memories, life experiences, dreams and by taping into the stream of artwork from across the ages," she explained.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Painting and Drawing at the University of Huddersfield in 2003, Dianne started running an Art Space in Yarm-on-Tees.
It was then when the 35-year-old thought that a master’s degree would give her the edge to be more successful in her business and decided to complete a MA in Fine Art at the University of Sunderland.
For Dianne, it was the course structure, the helpfulness of the teaching team and the facilities that initially attracted her to the University of Sunderland.
“The course was great as it really fitted in with my already hectic schedule of part-time work and running the art space, my own practice and exhibiting. It was very much practice-based and I was able to use this to give my work more structure and context.”
She added: “Virginia Bodman and Ray Masters were the main tutors for the part-time course, and they were incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated.
“They helped and influenced my art practice, as I was pretty fresh from my bachelor’s degree, and supported me in finding my place in the art world. They gave me the confidence to believe in my own skills and concepts.”
Since completing her master’s degree, Dianne has exhibited nationally and locally in solo exhibitions, group shows, and commercial and private commissions.
Talking about her work the artist said: “I like to produce original work which people who have never before considered buying a piece of original art would love to own, to enjoy, or just to keep looking at and feel inspired by.”
According to Dianne, aiming high, not giving up and being confident are the keys to becoming successful in your chosen field.
She advised: “Never stop learning as technologies and processes change all the time and you have to be willing to keep pushing yourself way beyond the formal education setting.”
For more information about Dianne you can visit her website at http://www.dianneartist.co.uk/