Today we’d like to introduce you to Rowan Behm
Hi Rowan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Art has always been a passion of mine since I was very little. My mom loved to draw and create hand made books in her free time, and I loved sitting in her studio watching her. As I entered middle school, creating art became something that was left on the back burner, as I was caught up with school and sports.
When I was 15, my whole world was turned upside down. My adoptive dad passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. I was drowning in so many intense emotions I had no idea how to work through or manage. Everything seemed hopeless. I started losing interest in everything that once brought me joy. I started heading down a dark path of escapism and avoidance.
This is when my mom suggested I start drawing how I feel. Immediately, creating art became my everything. The process not only helped improve my self-esteem by pushing me to improve, but also helped me know myself at a deeper level. After high school, I decided to push off going to college for financial reasons. I was working multiple entry level jobs and creating art at every chance I could get.
During the pandemic, I once again started to feel isolated and depressed. To cope with this, I started posting my art process on TikTok and trading my paintings to neighbors for groceries. Suddenly, I started to grow an audience on the social media platform with people commenting, asking where to purchase my artwork.
I was able to start selling prints and originals of my work online! In 2022, I entered my first public group art exhibition at Soulard Art Gallery. One of my pieces was accepted into the show! At the reception, I found out it had already sold. I remember that humbling feeling of absolute joy, that something I had worked so hard for was being appreciated by others!
That exhibition reception was the only one my mom was able to make it to. She tragically took her life the following year. I was no stranger to grief, but this kind of loss really changed my entire life perspective. The woman who saved me from my darkest moments, let the darkness overcome her. There is so much pain and suffering in the world. I want to use my voice through my art to bring understanding and empowerment to others. I want people to know they are not alone. I want to take even the darkest of experiences and create something beautiful from it. The is my mission with my artwork.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not. Aside from struggles in my personal life, there have been quite a few professionally. I am a very sensitive person. Putting out artwork, for the public to see, has helped me grow thicker skin. I’ve dealt with my fair share of doubts, rejection and harsh criticism. I like to believe that this has made me work that much harder. I rarely take it personally anymore. Learning to believe in yourself so fiercely that no external force can stop you is something so important, especially for women in our society!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through my life experiences, I have found that advocating and raising awareness for mental health is so vital. I aim to use my art as a voice for these causes. The mixed media artwork I create utilizes multiple layers of vibrant colors and bold patterns. My artistic style blends elements of abstract expressionism, pop art, and folk art in a surreal fashion. I find inspiration for my work through the resilience of nature, connections to our inner-child, self-acceptance, and embracing life’s beauty. Our world can be messy, unpredictable, and, honestly, scary. My mission is to bring a sense of empowerment and understanding to those who may feel lost or alone.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
NEVER stop trying to improve! There is always more to learn and more to practice. Always push yourself to be better than the version you were yesterday. (In your craft AND in life)! That being said, it is just as important to know your worth and love who you are in the present moment. There will be ups and there will be downs, so having validation come from within you is critical.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rowanbehmartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowanbehm.artist
