Michael Rowden Exhibition

November 1 @ 8:00 am – November 30 @ 3:00 pm

Artist Statement: 

I’m a native of Plumas County. I was born in Portola and I remember Grizzly Valley before the dam at Lake Davis was built. Loss, trauma and recovery have been recurring themes throughout my life.

The list of physical trauma I have endured is extensive. It is difficult for me to fathom at times everything that has happened. It doesn’t seem possible yet I don’t have to look far to find others dealing with more difficult issues than my own.

My work is process oriented.  I’m into the nuts and bolts of how art is made.

I’ve worked in a frame shop.

I worked in a factory that made elaborate gold plated ceramic sinks. I made the molds, glazed the sinks, loaded and fired the kilns. I learned to mix glazes and clays for specific uses. I use some of these recipes along with commercial glazes and clays for my ceramic pieces.

I made latex molds for a bronze foundry that utilizes the Lost Wax casting process. This experience allowed me to work with many Northern California stars in the field of ceramics.

I took up painting late in life and I was fortunate to cross paths with Oliver Lee Jackson while a student at CSU Sacramento. Oliver talked about the nuts and bolts of painting. Iconography and sentiment was left to someone else to talk about.

I like to experiment with technique, styles and material. I’ve learned to be patient with paintings because sometimes attitudes and ideas need to mature.

There is a magic about Plumas County that is unequaled in my view. Hopefully I can capture some of that magical essence in my work to share with those unfortunate enough to never experience this wonderful place.