The Nouveau series finds its main inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement.  From posters and print, to household decorative items, to architecture, the flow of lines are an enticing and seductive.  Historically Art Nouveau artists and craftsmen drew inspiration from natural and geometric forms.  Curvaceous lines often highlighted plants and flowers.  The natural world also has an immense influence. Dave particularly enjoys the early photographic work of Karl Blossfeldt, illustrations of Ernst Haeckel, and other sources focused on the plants and nature.  These elements all find their way into his ideas and sketch books

Dave's designs start as simple line drawings, exaggerating and interpreting lines and flows.  An exciting part of process comes once sculpture outlines are translated to the either the wood or sculptural model for glass.  Although the general direction is thought out, decisions are made translating the sculpture to the third dimension.

During the photography process of “Lost in Thought”, Dave made an unexpected observation.  As each picture was taken from a different angle, it revealed a “sculpture” with in the sculpture.  One particular picture immediately gave the abstract sensation of Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker”.

"Lost in Thought" was the original start of this series. It was designed and sculpted for a 2010 SOFA exhibition call to artists.  The work was not selected however it was included that same year with del Mano’s SOFA Chicago booth.  Although Dave knew who Ray Leier and Jan Peters were, he was introduced to Ray through a mutual friend during AAW’s 2009 Albuquerque Symposium.  Ray knew of the piece and had him bring it, along with two others, to the loading docks at Navy Pier.  Ray arrived at the back door, inspected the work, and proceeded to take it in.  It literally came in through the back door.  Jan didn’t like the idea but “Lost in Thought” sold that year to a wonderful couple.

Nouveau Series

Dave Bowers Studio

A Sculptural journey