I’ve been on the lookout for interesting art the last few months, probably because I have a few spaces on my own walls that I’d like to fill. So naturally it came as a great surprise to me the other day to have a friend post some of his work to Facebook. It is fantastic. And not just the technique. The subject matter is provocative, relevant, and powerful.
Travis Bowersock is an art director in Indiana, the father of three adorable kids with his lovely wife Alison, and a good long-lived childhood friend of my husband. He has created a series of drawings for his graduate show, which won’t occur for many months and has several pieces that have yet to be seen (the suspense!). This series is called “The Communication Age” and it explores the not-so-glorious impact that technology is having on our society: distraction, relationship divisions, and the creation of a false sense of what it means to truly ‘be there’ for someone. As Travis points out, the prevalence of constant virtual contact means we miss out on “hugging.” How true.
I love the texture in this drawing that Bowersock creates with simple lines, the engaged yet aloof expression of the woman, and the stylized nod to American Gothic. I also know that look the he's giving her all too well.
As someone who regularly gets into bed at night with a computer resting on my lap (next to my husband, whose twin computer is resting on his lap), I concur with Travis. His drawings particularly hit home because the subjects in them are people I recognize: the woman in both of these pieces looks like his wife, and the man standing in front of the burning house resembles him. I know that my husband and I take turns feeling ignored at times at the expense of our iPhones and laptops (have I talked about our iPhones enough in my blog yet?) and it makes a strong impression on me that others we are close to can feel threatened by microchips in the same way that we sometimes do.
I don't recall ever seeing this technique in a drawing, and I love it. The lines are stunning.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to see these pieces, and I can’t wait to see what else Travis has to share with the world next year. What a cool technique, an interesting topic, and an important message he is sharing. Keep up the good work!
Design consultations for all styles and budgets: JGB Interiors.
Paint It What I Tell You 
The second drawing is funny and sad at the same time because it is 100% true. I have a friends who is a waiter and she constantly see couples on their cell phones texting or updating their beloved facebook page (yuck facebook). I believe in the something in the future people will not have the able to interact with others from a face-to-face level. That is why I hate texting because the emotional/personal element is taken away, but some are fond on this way of communication because the screen or keypad is hiding their true selves.
Nevertheless I applaud this man’s picture, both pictures – very good.
These are amazing. I am so impressed.
Hey Jessica,
Its been a while…maybe since Country Day 🙂 since we chatted. I just came across your blog. I love this entry…I live this every day.
Hope all is well.
Beth Robertson
Thanks, Beth! I’m so glad you like the blog and it’s great to hear from you 🙂
–Jessica