Dr. Lowly
Dr. Lowly, known for his distinctive "squeeze and splatter" technique, didn’t start his journey in art with a traditional background. In fact, his creative path began in the most unexpected of places: a childhood memory of winning an art contest at the age of eight. "That moment ignited a lifelong passion for creativity," he reflects. Despite the demands of a rigorous career in medicine, Dr. Lowly always found time to nurture his love for art, sketching whenever he could—even during medical school lectures.
A Self-Taught Innovator
Unlike many artists who follow formal training, Dr. Lowly’s artistic journey is entirely self-taught. "My formal education is in medicine; I was trained as a doctor," he says. But that didn’t stop him from experimenting with different materials and styles, drawing inspiration from the works of famous artists. His creative explorations extended beyond just paint; during his student days, he sculpted with wood and copper sheets, and even crafted Styrofoam sculptures for wedding decorations. "I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to innovate," he shares.
The Birth of a Signature Technique
When Dr. Lowly began his artistic journey in earnest, he started from scratch—literally. "The canvas awaited me, blank and full of potential," he recalls. Choosing acrylic paint for its non-toxic properties—a nod to his medical background—he experimented with every tool at his disposal. Brushes, palettes, balloons, and even spoons and forks were part of his arsenal. But it was a toilet brush and a simple squeeze bottle that led to his breakthrough. "I began to splatter and squeeze paint onto large canvases, and suddenly, the results captured the vibrancy I was seeking," he explains. This exploration led to the development of his signature "squeeze and splatter" technique, which quickly became his artistic hallmark. "Friends who saw my vibrant artworks praised the technique’s liveliness," he says. For Dr. Lowly, the rhythmic motion of swinging the squeeze bottle became more than just a method; it was a form of expression. "Each piece became a testament of resilience, hope, and connection," he reflects.
Influences and Inspirations
At the heart of Dr. Lowly’s work are themes that resonate deeply with him—ephemeral beauty and enduring hope. "Nature is my primary muse," he shares. "The delicate beauty of flowers, the fleeting moments of a sunset, these are all reminders of life’s impermanence." Yet, within this cycle, he finds a profound message of hope. "Each sunset, though it marks the end of a day, also heralds the promise of a new dawn," he explains. This cyclical nature of life is captured vividly in his art, where the interplay of colors and patterns evokes the transient beauty of a blooming flower or a radiant sunset.
Dr. Lowly’s journey as an artist has been shaped by the influences of several greats. "Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Cyril Kongo Phan have significantly impacted my approach and style," he says. Van Gogh’s use of color and emotive brushwork, Pollock’s dynamic and energetic style, and Kongo’s vibrant graffiti art all play a role in how Dr. Lowly approaches his own work. "From Pollock, I learned the power of spontaneity. From Kongo, the bold use of colors. And from Van Gogh, the beauty in everyday scenes," he shares. These influences converge in his "squeeze and splatter" technique, creating works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
A Creative Life: Finding Balance and Inspiration
Balancing his creative pursuits with the rest of his life is essential to Dr. Lowly. "While painting is a passion that could consume my entire day, I recognize the importance of maintaining a well-rounded life," he says. He finds inspiration not just in the act of creation but also in rest, exercise, and quality time with loved ones. "A balanced life fuels my artistic inspiration and allows me to approach my work with renewed vigor and perspective," he explains.
Dr. Lowly’s creative journey has not been without its challenges. He recalls the creation of "Echoes of Giza," a piece that was both challenging and rewarding. "I wanted to capture the essence of the Pyramids of Giza, but initially, the work felt dull and rigid," he admits. However, through perseverance and the use of his squeeze and splatter technique, the piece transformed into something much more. "It became a conversation with time, a reflection on the sands of Egypt and the civilizations that have risen and fallen," he shares. As he looks to the future, Dr. Lowly is excited about pushing the boundaries of his art even further. "I’m captivated by the idea of merging art with cutting-edge technology," he reveals. He envisions paintings that come to life through animation, cascading waterfalls of color, and immersive experiences created through 3D holograms. "These endeavors are more than just artistic explorations; they’re invitations for audiences to engage with my work in entirely new ways," he says.
A Message to Young Artists
For those just starting out on their artistic journey, Dr. Lowly offers words of encouragement. "Embrace your unconventional path," he advises. "Your background—whether in medicine, technology, or another field—shapes your art. Let your unique experiences guide your creativity." He emphasizes the importance of creating despite constraints and treating art as both a passion and a business. "Art is about balance—between creation and promotion, between inspiration and discipline," he says. Dr. Lowly’s journey from medicine to art is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and following one’s creative instincts. "Each stroke, each splash of color is a reflection of my journey," he says. And as he continues to explore new mediums and techniques, his work remains a vibrant celebration of resilience, hope, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
