Conversations with Max Dowdle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Dowdle.

Hi Max, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
As a seventh-generation North Carolinian growing up in a family of artists and craftspeople, I was exposed to creativity from an early age. My father’s work as a lead sculptor on various film sets allowed me to see the human form and the artistic process up close, and this observation instilled in me a deep appreciation for the pursuit of life as an artist. 

After earning a double major in Fine Art and Art History from the College of Charleston, I continued my studies at Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy. There, I learned classical atelier techniques that further honed my artistic skills and helped me develop a working knowledge of old master methods that served as a sturdy foundation for things to come. 

Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of working as a professional artist in North Carolina, where I specialize in creating public art, primarily of the mural variety, through a collaborative process that involves the community. I believe that public art should reflect the people it serves and that by working together, we can create something truly special and meaningful. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the “business” side of business has been quite a journey. Balancing the books can often be as challenging as creating the art itself. There’s also the perpetual quest for a distinctive style while also staying creatively relevant. It’s a delicate dance between self-expression and adapting to the ever-evolving art landscape. Standing out in a saturated market requires both talent and tenacity. 

Being a professional artist involves a dynamic interplay of creativity, business acumen, and emotional fortitude. It’s a nuanced journey, one that combines the passion for art with the pragmatism of a seasoned professional. 

I’ve been lucky in that I’ve had a very supportive family as I developed first as an artist and second as a professional artist. I’m in a very comfortable spot right now, and I feel grateful to those that helped me along the way. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist with a diverse skill set, I have a particular specialty in managing artistic teams, engaging with communities, and contributing to creative placemaking initiatives. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with a range of professionals, including architects, engineers, urban planners, and my mentor Dr. Lawrence Wheeler, Director Emeritus of the North Carolina Museum of Art, to develop large-scale public art projects that reflect the unique character of the communities they serve. In these roles, I have honed my ability to manage teams of artists and other creative professionals, ensuring that everyone is working together toward a shared vision and that the project stays on track. 

Though I started in a more traditional route as a gallery artist that primarily worked in oil paint, I’ve since transitioned into the much larger, and even more personally gratifying arena of public art. I’m particularly proud of the community-based work I’ve embarked on recently. I believe that public art has the power to transform ordinary spaces into something extraordinary, to spark conversation and encourage reflection, and to bring people together in new and unexpected ways. 

From private commissions like the signature series of oil paintings I created for the lobby of the Quorum Center to municipal projects like the Clean Energy mural I completed during the summer for Raleigh Fleet Services, to commercial work like my ongoing partnership with Grubb Properties at the Raleigh Iron Works, I take every opportunity to bring the clients’ creative ideas to life; and I’ve found this to be tremendously gratifying. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I have so many favorite childhood memories, but I’ll narrow it down to the genesis of art-making: when I was around 3 years old my mom worked for a print company and she would bring home reams of used paper, misprints, old menus, and invitations, some textured or toned, and I would spend hours at my little table in the kitchen drawing knights, monsters, aliens and other worlds. 

We moved around quite a bit when I was a kid, but art was always there at my fingertips, a constant companion to keep me company or just keep me occupied – utterly transportive. Still is that way. 

Pricing:

• Exterior mural work typically runs between $10 – $20 per square foot. There are a number of factors that play into this, and each job is different, but I’m happy to do a site visit and discuss any project a client has in mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.NCPublicart.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/maxdowdle

Image Credits
NC Public Art