Louise McGowan Bezark – Artist Spotlight

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Louise McGowan Bezark and I am 1 of 2 gourd artists at Auburn Old Town gallery. My gourd sculptures are typically minimal in nature, with a focus on plant and animal life. Often they are thought to be ceramic or glass.

Why do you do what you do?

Creating art and expressing creatively has always been one of the many joys of living. I can be incredibly inspired by a color, texture or architectural or natural element. Expressing creatively is as natural as breathing, my studio and gallery time are a delight.

What themes do you pursue?

I love botanical and natural elements and the range of color and texture in both. Ginkgo Biloba is a favorite as well as the grace of koi. The last year has been quite fruitful with studio time and I can see my work evolving more than ever before.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

Observing family and friends who face struggles both internal and external and come through them to be more insightful and compassionate to themselves and others is one of the most powerful elements of nature. The human ability to persist, grow, change and enjoy life is always a source of great inspiration. I am humbled by the vast number of friends who have triumphed after emerging from dark times.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I spent many years in HMO marketing, hotel and off premise event planning and logistics, catering and menu creation, and real estate sales. Prior to full time artistic endeavors, I spent 13 years in the ministry field. Many of the inspirations I have illustrated are spiritual in nature as a result of the study of the world’s faith traditions.

What are your hobbies?

I love to be near or in water, love to kayak and hope to own one in the near future. I enjoy cooking and gardening, dreaming of someday living in a green prefab simple home on beautiful land.