Most LAS members will know Phil Bowman as the proprietor of the Gallery At St Martin’s in Lincoln. The gallery is a haven for local artists who want to exhibit in the centre of Lincoln. Phil has a small studio on the upper floor from where he paints and produces screen prints. The gallery came to him by a serendipitous acquaintance with Anne Stoker. She owned the gallery and asked him if he wanted it for a month at a reduced rate? So, he looked after it for a month… a few months later, she was going to move permanently out to Spain, “did I want to take over the gallery”? That was 17 years ago!
Phil is a long standing member of the LAS, he joined as an associate member in the early 1970s. Like many of us he came into the art world through the side entrance. Back in the 1970s before the commoditisation of further and higher education, art schools were a little more open and community minded. Phil used to attend Lincolnshire School of Art & Design night classes – remember those? Even though he wasn’t an actual LSAD student he used to sneak into lectures and life drawing classes. Tutors in those days weren’t too bothered about the odd interloper!
Phil spent 26 years working as a commercial screen printer, the last 14 of these running his own company Horizon graphics. On closing Horizon in 2000 he embarked on a period of working in Garden maintenance and design. The English climate particularly in winter allowed him free time to concentrate on his painting and to pass on art related skills in both schools and by setting up adult painting groups .Word soon got around to the Landlord of my local who unbeknown to me happened to own a Turkish Gulet (A large sailing vessel).he was looking to provide themed holidays on board. John was able to provide the boat and the crew and Phil the painting party. After Turkey came the ultimate love affair with Granada, a city that continues to inspire him even after 10 years of annual trips .
Click images for slideshow…
Phil has just come back from visiting family in Canada. He never stops working, buying paints and materials in Canada and abandoning them on his return to the UK (customs). He is currently working on screen prints inspired by his trip.
A special mention must go to fellow LAS member Janice Kok for her immense support in the early days.
The Gallery at St Martins often hosts exhibition by LAS members.
37B Hungate, Lincoln LN1 1ET