unleashing the artist

When you look up the definition of “intuitive,” you get an answer that refers to someone who can understand things with little evidence or proof. The word “spunky” calls to someone being high-spirited and brave.

When you meet Serena Bowman, she is the embodiment of both elements, but cranked to 11. An eclectic artist with a bubbly presence and kindred spirit, she is truly someone you must meet here at MHCC. 

Serena says her inspiration is driven by the amalgamation of superlative ideas and emotions flowing through her mind. She goes outside the box and into the beyond reaches of space when creating her stunning sculptures.

“What inspires me is lots of different ideas in my head that I want to put into one thing and then I just do it,” she explained to The Advocate. “How I feel at that exact point in time, I then portray into a simplified conduit that allows you to feel what I’m experiencing.”

Serena sculpts animals and extracts compelling characteristics out of them with exaggerated expressions and brilliant colors. The current piece she’s working on is the mix of an otter, an angler fish, and circuitry. The sculpture is stellar, with the fierce expression emitted by the otter laced with delicate protrusions from where electric bulbs will illuminate. It perfectly encapsulates the current fiery passion and buoyant drive she carries with her every day.

Despite all her achievements and exquisite talent, Serena faced obstacles while growing up. She said that it took her a while to catch up with others her age in development. Her natural growth was impeded by a kidney reflex that always kept her sick. But, thanks to the miracles of advancing medicine and technology, she was able to be treated and cared for.

After her surgery, her trajectory toward growth and learning exploded. She was now able to express all her ideas and imagination that filled her mind, and the first drawing she ever remembers was sideways rain. This was, of course, because it was windy outside her home that day.

This first outlet for her creative prowess would stick with her to this very day, for she has a sticker business named “Reenie Rainshine.” Serena explained the logo for her business: “It has a rain cloud on it, and it’s inspired from [the journey] where I started, to where I’m going. We must understand that rain does happen, and rough times do occur to everyone, but we can always push through and stick to the positive side of life.”

She enthusiastically discussed other notable artists that have inspired her all through life – artists the likes of Hayao Miyazaki, the beautiful artist/director who has made animated films such as “Totoro,” “Spirited Away,” and “Ponyo,” as well as Stephen McRainey, a webtoon artist who’s created one of Serena’s favorite stories, “Space Boy.” Space Boy tackles important life hardships and lessons, such as healing from trauma, coping with long-distance love, and finding who you are in life.

These inspirations help carry Serena through life and push her to pursue her goals, no matter what. She hopes to continue to spread messages of positivity and express her emotions through the works of children’s books and television. She wants children to feel that they are loved and cherished, while also being wholesomely entertained.

She said she hopes these messages will go even further, on to adults, so everyone can be enlightened. She shared her ideal for making successful art: “ If I can make people feel like they are important, and feel that they are loved and they are meaningful; that they bring meaning to others.

“That’s what I want to show people: That they are loved and have a reason to be here.”

It’s a joy to learn more about who Serena is, and what drives her.

For more, and to support her, check out @riniro_doodledoo on Instagram. 

Cortlan Souders