Stretched Canvas

Modern Lines

Contemporary White

Natural Clear Maple

Unframed print




Sean Cowen, Hicksville
Member Since July 2008
Artist Statement I have been a rare bookseller for two decades and always a fan of printed images and bookjacket artwork. A natural extension of that was seeing the beauty in objects I acquired at estate sales and auctions over the years, and photographing that beauty. Every now and then I find an object that speaks to me - it really is a subtle beginning and then it sometimes grows into a loud call for me to notice this object.

Another crucial part of my experience in noticing beauty in objects of antiquity was formed in the seven years I lived in Prague, in The Czech Republic. You cannot live in a city over 1,000 years old and not notice the exquisite details - the ornate, hand-carved doors; the twisting and winding cobblestone streets and alleys in the Castle area; the Art Deco and Art Nouveau palaces of finery all over town; the lines and aesthetics of the Communist-era grand buildings; the sheer bravado of this vibrant, fully-living city.

My photographs try to capture that spirit and life - the joy one can find in everyday objects and even in antiques; their unique curves and valleys and shadows and forms. One of my favorite types of item to photograph is pottery. You can sometimes take 100 images and have 100 interpretations of the intent of the master craftsmen and master craftswomen who lovingly put their souls and emotions into every handcrafted piece. Nothing is more striking than looking at fully-formed period pieces from the Arts & Crafts movement and I think I am drawn more to that movement than any other.

I hope you enjoy looking at my work and I will be adding more galleries for specific genres over time. From Northwestern Ohio, I thank you for stopping by!

Comments

Product No 1192979
Subjects Animals, Birds, Décor
Style Folk Art
Medium
Tags Cowen, Sean, american, arts, birds, blue, ceramic, crafts, owl, owls, planter, pottery