10 Questions | Mark Flowers
Q: Mark, we are thrilled to host your 35th solo exhibition! Many artists have a hard time creating a career as an artist…How have you done it?!
A: I think I always saw art as my path. But I also had a day job that allowed me to pursue what I wanted to make. I admire many artists who choose to make for a living, but for most artists there is a tie to the consumer that I never wanted to pursue. My day job of teaching allowed a sense of freedom that inspired me. In the studio I am the most free-that keeps me coming back.
Q: What led you to become an artist? Have you always been a creator?
A: Early influences of my father,Tom Flowers-who was an artist and art professor at Furman, were certainly there. Early on I wanted to be a park ranger, for some reason (I guess from my camp counselor days). But everywhere I saw an option of interest, I made art about it. Finally I realized my best option was the pursuit of being an artist.
Q: Did you go to school for art or did you apprentice or study something else?
A: I received a BFA in Fine Arts at University of South Carolina and an MFA from Western Michigan University. The encouragement of my teachers at USC really solidified my path. Graduate school in Kalamazoo, Michigan allowed me the space to become an artist. I’m not sure the BFA/MFA path is as legitimate as it once was, but it was the right choice for me at the time.
Q: What are the things that inspire your work?
A: I have always felt that I paint about what I know and experience. Sometimes more obvious than others. I have spent my art career making a language to communicate with. It is an evolving and layer language that spoke to me-at least. For those who have followed along, they have followed my life-for what it’s worth. My recent work is about what I see and experience in a jazz related composition of images and layers.
Q: Your work is comprised or found objects, photographs and more…tell us a bit about how you select the materials that make their way in.
A: I used to bounce back and forth between 2-D and 3-D formats. I finally settled on shaped paintings as a compromise in a way. The materials are as autobiographical as the images. Personal history and the history of art all rolled into one.
Q: Teaching has been a big part of your career as an artist. What was your favorite part about teaching and what did you find most challenging?
A: I spent 42 years teaching the enthusiasm for creating art. Mostly painting as a technique, but in other mediums as well. There were a few students who have made successful art careers. I am very proud to have contributed in their success. But I am also proud to have sparked something in the student who didn’t think art was fun. Their smiles were just as rewarding. Most challenging were the faculty meetings. The only thing I ever accomplished during a faculty meeting was buying an old pick up truck on EBAY.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?
A: Have a day job, make what you know and marry an artist.
Q: What is something that you would want for your collectors or those really interested in your work to know?
A: I had fun making and I hope you have fun looking.
Q: When you are creating, what is your favorite thing to listen to? Are you a music or podcast person…or do you prefer silence?
A: I do listen to music and podcasts in the studio. But silence allows the possibilities to open up- so it’s mostly silent.
Q: What artists are inspiring you right now?
A: I am an old Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg fan. David Salle, Bryce Marden, Elizabeth Murray, and James Rosenquist are certainly big favorites. I guess I’m “old school” with these folks on my list. I’m heading to see the Whitney Biennial in August. Maybe someone new will catch my eye.
You can enjoy and collect Mark's work now through the end of July 2024 HERE.



