George Fowler - Artist in Residence

The Fairmont Dallas continues its Artist-in-Residence program with the appointment of George Fowler, self-taught metal sculptor, as the hotel’s second resident artist, effective immediately through December 31, 2010.

Fowler predominately uses metal, wood and stone to create pieces which, for the most part, follow two main themes described by Fowler as, “the synchronicity of disparate elements as well as the contrast of the idea of fleeting beauty in juxtaposition of the relative permanence that metal affords the sculptor.”

From an early age Fowler was encouraged to make things with his hands by the women in his family. His mother made trips to the hardware store interesting for him by urging him to find something that he could use in a creation of his own. These early childhood experiences and extensive travel around the world are big influences in his work, and while he has some collegiate coursework in mechanical engineering and professional experience as a mechanic, Fowler enjoys the fact that he is ultimately a self-taught artist.

Success in the Dallas art circuit began with a serendipitous empty gas tank that left him in stranded en route to Houston. Fowler decided to stay with a friend and pick up a few jobs to make money and ended up making Dallas his home. After saving enough money to be self sustaining without the need for a monthly paycheck, he dedicated all of his time to his craft. “I enjoy seeing results from my work at the end of the day,” said Fowler. “There are no rules, I can slip into my own world and bring to life what I see in my mind’s eye.”

Fowler admits to being somewhat of an exhibitionist in that he likes to do his work where he is in view of the public. During a month-long show at Hal Sample’s SPACE, he held weekly classes called Wire Bending Wednesdays – a hands-on opportunity for the public to participate and contribute to Fowler’s work by assisting with bending wires – a seemingly simple task that is necessary to complete the process of spawning Fowler’s illusory images from otherwise unsuspecting pieces of wire. Fowler will revive Wire Bending Wednesdays during his tenure as artist in residence at The Fairmont Dallas. Classes are by reservation, for up to 20 people and attendants must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult. Fowler will also maintain regular studio hours Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Stop by to watch him create one of his signature flowers, which he regularly gives away. “I hand out flowers all the time because it ends up coming back to me – it may be two or three years before I see that person again, but I usually do and they more often than not end up purchasing something that resonates with them.”

For more information on Fowler, visit www.makerstudios.com. For more information on The Fairmont Dallas Artist-in-Residence program, to make reservations for Wire Bending Wednesdays or for appointments outside of studio hours, contact Erica Martinez, Public Relations Manager at The Fairmont Dallas, at 214-720-5211.