Isaac Bower
How would you explain your art practice?
I'm currently focused on a project called Cojiform, which is centered on a modular system of sculptural forms that I've developed over several years. This interactive project has several facets, including my own daily explorations with the forms, documented with photography and video. I also bring Cojiform exhibits and workshops into to museums, libraries, schools, senior residences etc. offering thousands of people of all ages a unique creative experience.
Do you identify primarily as a sculptor, or as an artist?
I’m best described as a multidisciplinary artist. My current work is rather genre busting, mixing elements of interactive art, sculpture, video/performance art, photography, and wellness/ education. Past work has also included drawing and printmaking, and some forays into the areas of lighting and furniture.
How would you introduce your artwork to an eight year old?
I’ve worked collaboratively with thousands of kids in western PA using my interactive art system called Cojiform. Regardless of age or personality, most people understand how my work is intended to be experienced. Cojiform is tied to a fundamental human behavior: playing and building with loose parts, and making meaning out of this play by telling stories about what we have built. I also use printed books, signage, and online tutorial videos to help people engage with my work.
What’s happening this year in your art career?
This is a big rebuilding year for me, emerging from the pandemic. I was recently awarded a small grant to help me continue to develop my interactive artwork. In February, a public school in central PA leased one of my interactive art kits for a month. I’m currently developing this leasing model on a national level. In October I will have a significant interactive exhibition at The Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg. I’m also very pleased to be scheduling Cojiform workshops this year at a range of regional library branches.
I'm currently focused on a project called Cojiform, which is centered on a modular system of sculptural forms that I've developed over several years. This interactive project has several facets, including my own daily explorations with the forms, documented with photography and video. I also bring Cojiform exhibits and workshops into to museums, libraries, schools, senior residences etc. offering thousands of people of all ages a unique creative experience.
Do you identify primarily as a sculptor, or as an artist?
I’m best described as a multidisciplinary artist. My current work is rather genre busting, mixing elements of interactive art, sculpture, video/performance art, photography, and wellness/ education. Past work has also included drawing and printmaking, and some forays into the areas of lighting and furniture.
How would you introduce your artwork to an eight year old?
I’ve worked collaboratively with thousands of kids in western PA using my interactive art system called Cojiform. Regardless of age or personality, most people understand how my work is intended to be experienced. Cojiform is tied to a fundamental human behavior: playing and building with loose parts, and making meaning out of this play by telling stories about what we have built. I also use printed books, signage, and online tutorial videos to help people engage with my work.
What’s happening this year in your art career?
This is a big rebuilding year for me, emerging from the pandemic. I was recently awarded a small grant to help me continue to develop my interactive artwork. In February, a public school in central PA leased one of my interactive art kits for a month. I’m currently developing this leasing model on a national level. In October I will have a significant interactive exhibition at The Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg. I’m also very pleased to be scheduling Cojiform workshops this year at a range of regional library branches.
Biography
Isaac Bower is a visual artist with a BFA in sculpture from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and an MFA in sculpture from West Virginia University. His art practice has often explored the dynamics of repetition, through the use of mold-making and casting, wood-working, drawing, and printmaking.
Since establishing his Pittsburgh studio in 2005, Isaac has completed a range of commission projects for both commercial and residential spaces. He has also produced many exhibits and interactive programs within libraries, museums, senior centers, schools, corporations, and non-profit spaces. Isaac lives with his wife and their daughter in the Polish Hill section of Pittsburgh.
Since establishing his Pittsburgh studio in 2005, Isaac has completed a range of commission projects for both commercial and residential spaces. He has also produced many exhibits and interactive programs within libraries, museums, senior centers, schools, corporations, and non-profit spaces. Isaac lives with his wife and their daughter in the Polish Hill section of Pittsburgh.