Meet MJ Dowling | Artist

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

Hi MJ, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From an early age I was influenced by my mother’s artistic talents and my father’s passion for construction. My mother always enjoyed acrylic and watercolor painting and my father, an electrician by trade, really liked to build things. Given their influence, I was drawn to the study of Art and Architecture and pursued a Bachelor’s of Architecture degree at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh. While at CMU, I also minored in Art and thoroughly enjoyed taking numerous classes in drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your art. What sets you apart from others?

Over the past 5 years, my abstract coastal paintings have explored the relationship between the built and natural environments of Florida, focusing on patterns, colors, and often the incorporation of text and images to convey historical linkages. With every painting, I’ve explored new ways to engage my viewer and connect at a deeper level regarding the meaning of a particular place or piece of work. Most of my abstract pieces incorporate “levels of information” about a place. Some references are straight-forward, like geographic coordinates or a city name, while others are more obscure like the name of a 200-year-old shipwreck or imagery of an historical figure. I did a series of pop art pieces over the past year too which helped me further explore the idea of underlying messaging within art. My desire to connect with the viewer at a deeper level has caused my work to constantly evolve. Everything I’ve learned in life to this point influences what I create today, but to be truly innovative or creative going forward, I know I have to be open to new ideas and take risks with my art.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m very excited about my newest series which I’m calling Art in Motion. It’s definitely unique and ventures into the realm of interactive art. The artwork is comprised of multiple circular canvases, each mounted on a hidden axis, which allows them to independently rotate or spin. By rotating the canvases, each piece reveals new layered or interconnected images. I’m intrigued by the idea that a painting can be interactive and adapt to the perspective of the observer.

When interacting with my newest artwork, the viewer truly becomes a co-creator by contributing their unique vantage point or interpretation. The capability of the viewer to alter the compositions allows for a limitless array of display possibilities and celebrates the power of art to transform. “Nautical Bliss” was my first exploration into interactive art and celebrates the spirit of coastal life in Florida while my most recent work entitled “Jam Band” incorporates a mixed media approach to include use of a real splash cymbal and drum sticks. You can see these pieces on display at the Palm Room Art Gallery in Sewall’s Point (Stuart), Florida from March 13 – April 27 in the Harbour Bay Plaza.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

My journey to becoming an artist was definitely not straightforward. When I graduated college, I was commissioned as an US Air Force Officer and served 20 years as a Registered Architect. During this time, I lived in and visited numerous countries world-wide developing a passion for both environmental and urban design. Following my military service, I worked as an architect in private practice for seven years when I finally started painting again in earnest. When I moved to Florida in 2015, I knew I wanted to paint fulltime. Serving in the military was definitely not the traditional path for an architect or artist, and it definitely had its challenges, but it provided me with so many unique experiences that I know my art is more focused and passionate because of my service.

What are the lessons you have learned along the way?

To be patient and open to change. I love pursuing new series of work where I get to push myself to explore different artistic techniques. Each new technique or medium offers me creative ways to develop and then present my ideas. Every artist is different, but for me, I’ve learned the journey is less about the medium and technique and more about creating works that are engaging and filled with levels of meaning. My Art in Motion series is a good example of this. How do I create a piece of art that conveys the feeling of a place but also invites the viewer to engage with the work and make it their own? I’ve been experimenting with rotational canvases for a couple years now, but working with overlapping and interactive imagery is new. I think the architect in me is constantly striving to make my art more engaging and adaptive to the viewer.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

It’s never too late to follow your passion. I truly enjoy creating unique expressions through my paintings and sharing them among the artisan community and with art enthusiasts. My four decades of experience with art and architecture, combined with my passion for the environment, are what most influences the subject matter of my work, but how I express this and engage with my viewers will continue to evolve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places in South Florida are uniquely different. First, I would trek to Wynwood for a stroll through the many streets of urban graffiti art, visit the acclaimed Wynwood Walls, and then take in some of the independent art galleries. We would also have to visit Walt Grace’s Vintage Cars & Guitars, especially if my husband is in tow. It’s best not to drink a mojito before visiting though or you might walk away with a Gibson Les Paul or Martin acoustic guitar, or even a vintage convertible. Of course, we would have to celebrate any purchase by spending an evening in Little Havana sipping on cocktails and listening to exceptional Cuban music. Ultimately, we would road trip back up to Stuart for a day out on the water and an evening of live music at Terra Fermata.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely like to thank the artists that make up the Martin Artisan Guild. Over the past 5 years I have continually been inspired by their creativity and high level of professionalism and enthusiasm for the arts. Since joining the Guild, I have truly enjoyed the passion and camaraderie shared amongst all the members.

Website: MJDowlingArt.com

Facebook: MJ Dowling Art