Mark Bowman – Sculptor and Maker
Mark Bowman (b. 1966) is a British sculptor whose work explores the intersection of organic forms and structural elements. A self-taught artist with a background in architecture, engineering, and industrial construction, Bowman’s sculptures are shaped by his deep appreciation for natural processes, material experimentation, and the impact of time and mechanical forces on material forms.
Early Influences and Training
With no formal training in sculpture, Bowman’s artistic journey was shaped by years of hands-on experience in the built environment. Initially trained as an architectural technician, he spent several years working alongside a master stonemason and later an artist blacksmith, encounters that fueled his lifelong fascination with materials and form. His career as a project manager further immersed him in the world of design, working with architects and engineers to interpret and execute complex structures.
A pivotal period in Bowman’s life was his eight years working on offshore oil rigs, an environment seemingly devoid of conventional artistic inspiration. However, the immense industrial structures and the relentless forces of nature left a lasting impression, reinforcing his interest in the tension between human-made and organic structures. The observational skills he honed in this setting continue to inform his sculptural practice.
Artistic Approach and Influences
Bowman’s work is deeply influenced by both architecture and sculpture. He cites Spanish architect and sculptor Santiago Calatrava as a major inspiration, admiring his ability to blend engineering principles with organic aesthetics. His sculptural influences include Alberto Giacometti, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Lynn Chadwick, Anthony Gormley, David Nash, Kenneth Armitage, and Mario Marini.
Working across multiple materials - including stone, laminated plywood, aerated concrete, and plaster - Bowman embraces both subtractive and additive processes. His interest in erosion, growth, and transformation plays a key role in his work, often leading to unexpected artistic developments. For example, a comment from a fellow sculptor led him to explore similarities between his erosion-themed sculptures and trabecular bone structures, opening up new creative directions.
One of the most inventive aspects of Bowman’s work is his use of unconventional materials. He enjoys repurposing materials designed for industrial applications, such as carving torsos from aerated concrete foundation blocks or sculpting delicate shell forms from laminated plywood. His experiments with plywood, in particular, allow for a unique aesthetic - its layered strata adding both visual interest and structural stability.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Although he sculpted part-time for many years, Bowman only began exhibiting publicly in 2022, quickly garnering critical acclaim. His first group exhibition, Creating Spaces with the Cotswold Sculpture Association, earned him the People’s Choice award. Since then, his work has been recognized with several awards, including:
- 2022 Great North Art Show – Best Body of Work
- 2023 Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition – Open Exhibition Prize
- 2022 Cotswold Sculpture Association – Creating Spaces – People’s Choice
His sculptures have been exhibited at prominent venues such as the Royal Scottish Academy, The Sculpture Gallery (Leeds), Moncrieff-Bray Gallery, Cotswold Sculpture Park, and Doddington Hall.
Philosophy and Creative Process
For Bowman, sculpture is as much about the journey as it is about the final artwork. He describes his process as one of "organized chaos," where intention is constantly reshaped by experience, material behavior, and external influences. He likens carving to a form of erosion - each hammer blow or grinding tool revolution leaving its mark, much like wind and water shape natural landscapes over time. In contrast, his additive work in materials like clay and plaster mirrors the growth of organic forms. Whether inspired by vertebrae, ivy, or the textures of bone, his sculptures often merge biological and structural elements, creating forms that feel both familiar and otherworldly. Ultimately, Bowman’s work is an invitation to explore the interplay between nature and human craftsmanship, a dialogue between structure and fluidity, permanence and change.
He currently lives and works in rural Northumberland, where he continues to push the boundaries. His work is held in private collections across the UK, Sweden, Italy, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and North America.
8, King Street