''Central to Rowe’s paintings is her ability to represent the universality of different beings. Self-professed as someone who “can’t stand superficiality,” Rowe avoids paintings of the traditional human form. Instead, she explains, “I try to focus on spirit, energy, nature and all of the complexities [of] a human being that tends to be compromised.” Her figures are emotive and evocative, yet don’t possess traits that ascribe them to any particular racial group or demographic. They don’t wear recognizable clothes or bear specific cultural markings; they are also rarely placed in settings identifiable as a certain time or place.'' (Full Interview)
— Vee Hua, Filmmaker and Editor in Chief of Seattle, Washington based Redefine Magazine.
Vee is an extraordinary interviewer. She has the rare gift of listening and caring. You can find more of her work here: https://redefinemag.net/author/vivian-hua/
As an artist it is important to tell the truth. Without truth in art, what is there? Sometimes truths sting and sometimes there is a stigma attached to being honest, almost like being honest isn't ok if it makes someone else uncomfortable. Everyone has a different experience during their teens. Regarding the above reference of school, this concerns my teen years during middle grades 7-8, it was a tremendously difficult time for me, one that I don't feel the need to downplay or embellish but a few cruel kids aren't the whole of the world and one must keep an open mind. The most uncomfortable conversations are the ones you grow most from and there's no harm in sharing a dark period to give a broader look at the reasons behind my art. With that being said, it is paramount that one not dwell on things. It is paramount to understand that everyone, at one time or another, has had similar experiences and it is crucial to understand that a handful of crappy, terrible people are not the whole world and should not be used to judge others. Part of healing is talking and part of art is healing.
