Artist interview: A brush with John A Rowe

“This ever-present nervousness and fear determine what I paint; I have no choice.” Artist John A Rowe talks journey, process, and inspiration.

John A Rowe is an accomplished artist, illustrator, and author, set to showcase his new exhibition, Whimsy And Woe: A Brush With Contrasts at Aarwun Gallery in Canberra on July 20, 2024.

John has studied at various prestigious institutions, and has exhibited his work internationally. His illustrations and paintings are recognised for their emotional depth and storytelling quality.

We had the opportunity to talk to John about his journey, inspirations, and the themes behind his latest exhibition, and John proved to be refreshingly honest about everything.

Hi John, can you please tell us about yourself, your journey, and background?

I grew up in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. My journey in art started with life drawing at Richmond College of Art in London, followed by studying illustration at Twickenham College of Technology and fine art at Epsom School of Art & Design. I was also fortunate to study under Maria Lassnig at the Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna.

Over the years, I’ve exhibited my paintings in various international solo and mixed exhibitions, including Galerie Wittman in Vienna, the United Nations in Vienna, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London, Surrey Artists in Godalming, Künstlerhaus Mixed Exhibition in Vienna, Galerie im Kelterhaus in Hochheim, La Maison des Contes in Paris, and Storyopolis in Hollywood.

Now, I live in the Blue Mountains, NSW, with my wife Michelle where I play pickleball, mess around with guitars, own a whippet, and drive a Mini Cooper ‘S’.

How do you describe your work in your own words? What’s your process and has there been an evolution?

My work captures the whimsical side of woe, a way of processing my emotions. It’s a mix of abstract mark-making and figurative storytelling, often with a twist of British humour and a hint of nervous anxiety. I’ve gone through phases, experimenting with abstract art, but I always return to figurative work because my paintings need to tell a story, usually reflecting my emotional state.

I mostly use acrylics now, as they dry quickly, allowing me to layer pastels or wax crayons on top. My process involves a lot of scraping and smearing to get to the raw emotion I’m feeling. I never paint from nature; I prefer to draw from memories and imagination, sometimes using photos for inspiration but never copying them.

Are there any artists or movements that have inspired your work?

As a student, I was mainly inspired by Soutine. Later, when I moved to Vienna, I found great inspiration in Schiele, Bacon, Freud, Lautrec, and German Expressionism.

Nowadays, with the convenience of the Internet, it’s possible to access so much more. I’m often inspired by other painters, but usually not by all of their work; it might be just one of their paintings or even a small area in one of their paintings that sparks something in me.

Inspiration can come from anywhere and at any time, sometimes from the most unlikely places.

Can you tell us if there’s a central theme or concept of your upcoming exhibition at the Aarwun Gallery, and the inspiration behind the pieces?

I’ve lived with acute anxiety all my life, and my childhood was filled with unpleasant experiences. Basically, I’m a nervous wreck, and this has always been a driving force behind my paintings. Bullied at home and school, molested several times, growing up in the 1950s in a working-class environment – life was tough, and I was small and way too sensitive, a prime target for bullies and sadistic teachers.

This ever-present nervousness and fear determine what I paint; I have no choice, really. The subjects I choose, the colours, composition etc, are all part of trying to express my inner feelings. My latest exhibition is based entirely on my emotions.

What role does the venue play for your exhibition, if any?

I entered a competition in 2022 called The National Capital Art Prize, run by the Aarwun Gallery, and I won the Open Category and $15,000. Part of the prize was a solo exhibition, which was held last year. They have invited me to exhibit again this year.

Aarwun Gallery has been incredibly supportive, providing a platform for my work and helping me connect with a wider audience.

You’ve had some fantastic accolades, and paved an interesting pathway – are there any unique stories and experiences attached to that journey?

I have been lucky with illustration. A publisher saw some of my paintings in an exhibition in Vienna and invited me to illustrate a children’s book. I said no at first, as I considered myself a “real” painter and I had no interest in painting teddy bears. They told me not to compromise my style and to produce art for children – a new concept back then.

I illustrated a Rudyard Kipling “Just So” story, and it won an award, made me some decent money, and produced a lot of feedback from children and fans around the world. So, I started writing and illustrating at least one book each year.

I slowly became very well known, famous even, and I travelled the world giving lectures, book signings, judging international competitions, giving interviews, and all that goes with fame. I also won some major awards, big awards that are much sought after by illustrators.

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I switched between my own anxious world of painting and the fantasy world of illustration, just juggled the two, and it worked very well.

I entered paintings into the Royal Academy in London several times. Elton John wanted to use one of my paintings in a book that he and his partner were writing, but the painting sold to a surgeon in the USA before they could get their hands on it. One of my books appeared in You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Whoopi Goldberg bought a poster of mine. Lots of things began to happen, too many to write about!

A highlight was an exhibition in Hollywood, California, where my wife, Michelle, and I stayed in a hotel opposite Rodeo Drive, were driven around in a stretch limo, met and dined with stars – living the high life, but it messed with our heads and took weeks to return to “normal” life again! I also worked on the storyboards for Charlotte’s Web for a Hollywood studio, but they decided in the end to use real actors.

Tell us about the awards that you’ve won.

I’ve been fortunate to receive several notable awards throughout my career. In 1995, I won the Grand Prix at the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB), one of the most prestigious international events for children’s book illustrators. That same year, I also received the Golden Apple at BIB, which highlights exceptional creativity and skill in illustration. I’ve been honoured with a UNICEF Honorary Diploma in Bologna for my contributions to children’s literature promoting tolerance and understanding.

Additionally, the Storytelling World Award in California means a great deal to me.

These are particularly meaningful to me because they acknowledge both my artistic skill and the impact of my work on promoting empathy and understanding through children’s literature.

Several of my books, including I Want A Hug have also been adopted by world anti-bullying organisations for the prevention of cruelty to children, which is a recognition that deeply resonates with the purpose behind my art.

Would you like to tell us about other aspects of your work?

I’ve illustrated numerous children’s books, often bringing classic and original stories to life with vibrant and engaging illustrations. Titles like The Sing-Song Of Old Man Kangaroo from Rudyard Kipling’s Just-So Stories, Rabbit Moon, Jack The Dog, and many others have allowed me to blend my artistic style with storytelling. Each project is a chance to create something that resonates with young readers and their parents, making these books favourites in many households. My work is notable for its ability to engage children through visually appealing artwork and compelling storytelling.

Final word

John’s exhibition, Whimsical And Woe: A Brush With Contrasts opens on Saturday, 20th July 2024, at Aarwun Gallery, 11 Federation Square, Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, Canberra.

If you’re unable to make it to the exhibition, you can also check out John’s incredible work on his Instagram and Pinterest pages.

If you are interested in John’s art for purchase, contact him directly via his Linkedin.