The Scoop sat down with local Springfield, Missouri artist and Drury University professor Todd Lowery. Lowery received a degree in graphic design from Missouri State University and later went on to obtain his master’s degree in fine arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. At Drury he teaches painting, drawing, and foundations of design. His work includes many paintings done in watercolor, acrylics, and oil. He also has drawings and three dimensional installation pieces. Much of his work focuses on his experiences and the stereotypes of growing up and living in the Midwest. He also explores the experiential and psychological qualities of physical places.
Q: What is your educational background in art?
A: I did graphic design because it’s like “What are you gonna do with an art degree?” And that’s not really what I wanted to do. And at a certain point, in the middle of undergraduate, I was like “I’m not giving it the effort, I’m not really involved in it so much, and where I am giving my effort is fine art.” And so I finished my degree emphasis in graphic design, but the one thing I was really giving myself to was the painting class. So it was like “Ok, this is what I really want to do” and so I followed through on it.
Q: What do you do outside of teaching at Drury?
A: I have my own art practice. I’ve been a working artist for a long time. I didn’t even mean to teach. I do show my work on a pretty regular basis because I want to share what I do. I’ve had shows and exhibitions in New York, in Sweden, I’ve had a couple in Berlin, Cyprus, Greece, Canada.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: There have been many, honestly. There have been moments. Some of those exhibitions where I’m in this other country, in this major city, and I’m looking around, and It’s my work up on the wall. And there are people who have no connection to me whatsoever, and they are looking at my work. I will literally have those moments of clarity where I’m like “wow, small town boy, what are you doing here? How are you here” It’s just like a dream sometimes. I don’t know that that’s pride so much as appreciation.
