Updated on 01/01/2023 at 11:42 to correct an error in Bowman’s job title.
“My 60s have been amazing. For those who want to know, does life end at 60? No, mine’s just getting started,” Damita Bowman said.
Bowman was a school administrative assistant for 25 years before following her dream of starting an art business. She’s now 62 years old and a fully self-taught professional artist, who is a big believer in trying new things.
Bowman’s Facebook page, Damita Bowman Art, showcases an eclectic collection of work, with mediums varying from ink pens to acrylic paints, and pieces varying from portraits and landscapes to abstract paint pours.
For Bowman, the secret to succeeding as a professional artist has been saying yes as opportunities come her way, and embracing the idea that she can accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.
Bowman is a resident of Hillsboro, Ala. She’s originally from Michigan, and moved to Alabama with her husband who is from Hillsboro. Bowman was tired of the ice and snow, so she considered her move to Alabama a win.
“Of course, the year I moved down was that year you guys had that massive ice storm,” Bowman said, laughing.
Bowman officially started her business, Damita Bowman Art in 2018 after retiring from her career at Huntsville City Schools. She originally became involved with the school system as a volunteer nurse, and eventually took on an official role as an administrative assistant. After 25 years, she was able to retire with her full pension and feel financially secure.
“It was like okay, I can actually retire from this and fulfill my dream without having to worry,” Bowman said.
Bowman has always had a passion for drawing. When she was a teenager, she started designing business cards for local businesses and creating signs for church events.
She practiced art on the side for years, but never really thought it was something that she would go into full time.
“And since I did this, it’s like everything just keeps snowballing for better and better; everything’s getting better and better,” Bowman said.
Part of that snowball was a recent paint party she did for a friend’s birthday. The friend rented a space, hired a DJ and had canvases set up for all of the guests.
Bowman enjoys encouraging others to create art and succeed in their hobbies, and the paint party gave her an opportunity to encourage others to create art in a comfortable environment. Many of the people at the party were nervous about painting, but Bowman encouraged them to just have fun.
“We’re just gonna throw some paint on the panel,” Bowman said she told them. “Let it dry a little bit. We’re gonna throw some more paint on the panel.”
It was Bowman’s first time leading a group to paint, but she didn’t let that stop her.
“You just gotta learn how to break it down, bit by bit,” Bowman said.
Bowman has now led two paint parties. Besides parties, she sells at art fairs and takes commissions. Recently, she attended Montevallo’s Art Stalk.
Part of what she enjoys about art shows is getting to hear other people speak positively about her work.
“That’s the part that excites me,” Bowman said.
For her commissions, Bowman has worked with buyers around the country. After putting so much work into her pieces, actually selling them is one of the hardest parts of her job.
“I hate to let them go,” Bowman said.
She loves to experiment and try new paintings, and she encourages others to do the same.
“Just don’t give up,” Bowman said. “Just find something you love to do and just do.”
Bowman’s advice to young artists is to look at what others are creating and find something they would be interested in trying.
“Get inspired by somebody,” she said.
For Bowman, life has been about embracing new opportunities, and that isn’t something that she plans on changing anytime soon.
“It’s been a great two years, and I’m excited about 2023,” Bowman said. “I say it all the time. I’m so excited about 2023. Because I don’t know what’s coming. But I know something’s coming.”
Anyone interested in viewing Bowman’s art or contacting her for work can reach out to her through her Facebook page.
