Meeting Jen Bowles and Christopher Taylor at the 18th Street Art Gallery
The Art Studio and 18th Street Art Gallery had its first artist reception and art show under the new direction of Jenn Williams. The artist was Jen Bowles and the art show was “Calculated Spontaneity”.

I represented Noveltown and my first thought upon seeing the 18th Street Art Gallery was: Wow, what a great space!


The Art Studio and 18th Street Art Gallery

Jen Bowles large-scale vibrant paintings are mesmerizing…



There was already quite a crowd of people when I arrived at the gallery. They lingered around Jen Bowles paintings contemplating the intensity of the colors and the textures.





“It’s all about texture and color for me,” Jen Bowles explained. She’s a full time artist in Bakersfield.


Jen Bowles talking about her art

Bowles classified her art as non-representational rather than abstract. I asked her about her chosen medium. “It’s acrylic on board.” She explained, reluctant to reveal the techniques she’d developed in achieving the texture in her paintings.

Greg Goodsell asked what she thought of the Bakersfield art community: “For me, Bakersfield is kind of coming around, and they’re really becoming more interested in art. I feel that there’s a lot of people who enjoy the more non-representational type art.

“I have sold a couple pieces. I’m out here and I’m showing my artwork and I’m excited about it. I hope people will enjoy it and will be interested in it.”

Jen Bowles is as vibrant as her paintings. How can people not love this new Bakersfield art and art studio? Contact Jen Bowles at: jenbowles@bak.rr.com.


Jen Bowles and Jenn Williams

Jenn Williams gave me a tour of the Art Studio, which included a classroom work area for art classes and wall space that artists rent to display and sell their art, which Jenn called ‘Art Boutiques’. (Read the interview she gave Noveltown about her Art Studio and Gallery).


Jenn Williams looks like art herself…

Chris, of Christopher Taylor Portrait Design shares the Art Studio. I asked how long he had been doing photography.

“Full time for about five years,” he said. “I’ve done everything from portraits, weddings, commercial photography and fine art. I’ve even been the annoying resort ‘do you want your picture taken’ guy.”


Christopher Taylor


One of Christopher Taylor’s portraits

I wondered if he had advice for a novice photographer like me who was interested in learning more about the craft: “Always have your camera with you everywhere you go. You never know what photo opportunities you’ll come across.”

Jen Bowles “Calculated Spontaneity” art show will be up in the 18th Street Art Gallery until February 28, 2007. Go check out her art and the Art Studio too!

Art Studio and 18th Street Gallery
835 18th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-323-5088

Labels: 18th Street Art Gallery, Art, Bakersfield, Christopher Taylor, Jen Bowles, Noveltown, Photography

  posted by Matildakay at 9:33 AM 5 comments