The Arresting Art of Fred Fowler

The Arresting Art of Fred Fowler - theHumm July 2019

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

It’s invigorating to meet someone who challenges your subconscious prejudices. I was surprised to learn that Fred Fowler, outgoing President of the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association, is a retired Toronto cop. There’s absolutely no reason an ex-cop can’t be a good artist, yet meeting him and seeing his eclectic art definitely expanded my awareness of the influence the mass media has on our preconceptions.

Acrylics, watercolours, oils, monotypes, photographs — Fowler works with an open mind and a playful, experimental approach to achieve particular results. In an astute quid pro quo, he uses photography as a tool to both capture and reveal painting subjects that appeal to him. Many photographers seek a “painterly” effect; Fowler employs digital imaging capture and processing software to inspire his painting. He finds it facilitates his choice of subjects and helps him evaluate options regarding style and method to best achieve his artistic goals.

On his website at fredfowler.ca he states: “I have always been painting or drawing something and evaluating it with my siblings, most of whom have developed particular interests in art. They have keenly influenced my artistic development. I have been exposed to many styles of art, from abstract to high realism. As a result I can be very eclectic. I am able to call on an extensive stylistic ‘repertoire’ depending on inspiration and aims with a particular subject.”

A visit to his home studio and gallery is a visual treat in many ways. First, his art is captivating. It is eclectic, as promised. There are large, striking landscapes that feature dramatic skies — and occasionally nearly-concealed subject matter, like the one with the SS Edmund Fitzgerald at the bottom of Lake Superior. Some paintings feature iconic rural Ontario landscapes such as a farmhouse in the distance under a threatening sky or tree skeletons against a setting sun. Fowler’s portraiture is distinctive too, with unusual settings and poses that hint at their subjects’ personalities.

In addition to painting on canvases and canoe paddles, Fowler experiments with other media. He creates intriguing abstracts using a process of printing called monotype. Following in Edgar Degas’ footsteps from back in the mid-1870s, Fowler draws with oils on glass and then uses a variety of methods to print the image, sometimes just pressing a piece of paper against the glass with his hands to pull a mirror image, sometimes pulling multiple images. Like Degas, he enjoys the process, the endless opportunity for experimentation, and the uncertainty.

Today, however, his preference is painting realistic oil images based on his collection of photos mostly gathered on travels around rural Ontario. Speaking of which, the view from his home studio/gallery on the bank of the Mississippi River at McLaren Depot Snye near Snow Road Station is spectacular. He and his wife Sarah, also an artist, have renovated a 1930s creamery and created a workplace and showcase that celebrate the natural beauty surrounding them. It’s one of the reasons that Fred is an exceptionally exuberant and effective advocate for his community.

The other main reason is the people. Fred now has “more friends than I’ve ever had before.” Shortly after he and his wife Sarah moved from Toronto to Snow Road Station, Fred joined the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association, and today he is also one of seven councillors for the Township of North Frontenac.

Family Matters

Fowler was born in Nipigon on the northern edge of Lake Superior, 114km north-east of Thunder Bay. His eclectic tastes in art were no doubt influenced by being one of sixteen kids. When he was eleven years old his father died in a car accident, and his mother was helped to move the family to Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility run by the Loyal Order of Moose, located on a 1,000-acre campus near Chicago.

Fred confirmed his talent and passion for art as a sophomore in high school when he entered a drafting contest sponsored by the Illinois Institute of Technology. With over 3,000 contestants, Fred took second place and his brother Scott took first place in their division. The following year Fred took first place and Scott took second. Later Fred studied interior design at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts; some of the life drawings and etchings he produced still serve as reference material for his current creativity.

After a move to Toronto to continue his art studies, he joined the Police Force to patrol in a two-person police car. He eventually became a breathalyzer technician, really enjoyed the work, and got along well with his coworkers. He explained that his modus operandi was: “Treat people the best you can and try not to break the rules.”

He took a night course in watercolour painting, and when the sponsoring art gallery had a student art sale, one of his paintings sold and he “got the bug.” He became active in the Scarborough Art Guild; the wife of a fellow cop introduced him to monotypes, and the Mayor of Scarborough selected one for purchase by the City.

Fred and Sarah moved to Snow Road Station in 2004 after they provided end-of-life care to Sarah’s parents. He has a harrowing story of how he was able to put his police experience to good use when he discovered that his father-in-law, who suffered from dementia, had been defrauded. Fred not only recovered the money from the perpetrator (a parolee from the Kingston Penitentiary), he extracted an apology.

Fred Fowler will be displaying his eclectic artistic talents on July 13 and 14 during the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association’s Paint the Summer Show and Sale at Algonquin College in Perth. The background on his home page at fredfowler.ca displays his painting titled On the Beaver Pond that won Peoples’ Choice at a gallery in Brockville. You can also enjoy a gorgeous ride in the country to see the 4’x8’ outdoor mural he has gifted to the North Frontenac Township for display at the Community Centre just up the road from his converted creamery. Have I mentioned the view from his studio/gallery?! Check out his Artist Trading Card for more details.

The Ladies’ Foursome
Teeing Up for July 4th Opening at Studio Theatre - theHumm July 2019

By — Paul Joyce

It’s that time of year again, when the rattle of expensive metal is heard coming from car trunks and when spouses disappear for hours at a time, reappearing with sunburns, bug bites, and either smiles, scowls, or looks of quiet resignation.

Yes, it’s golf season.

For the final show of its 2018/19 series of plays, Studio Theatre Perth presents The Ladies’ Foursome, a Norm Foster comedy that will make you love the game, even if you, well, currently hate your game.

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The Arresting Art of Fred Fowler - theHumm July 2019