Sunshine Artists Magazine – Features juried BOMH artist Linda Cowell – December 2015

Joy to the world
Spotlight on juried Best of Missouri Hands artist Linda Cowell

By Nate Shelton
Sunshine Artists Managing Editor

Like many creative types, Linda Cowell had a very
different career in mind before she became a mixed
media craftsperson and sought-after creator of holiday-
themed dolls.

In Cowell’s case, the first choice was counseling.
She even graduated from Boston University with a
master’s degree to that effect before working in helping
professions, including seven years at an assisted-
living facility for the elderly. “I always believed I had 49
grandmothers and one curmudgeon grandpa!” she said,
adding that she also met her husband Bill at that job.

At the same time, Cowell said, “I have loved art since
I was in first grade, and the passion to design and create
has always been a part of my life.” As she discovered,
though, neither of those interests had much to do with
her initial life path, no matter how much satisfaction
she got from helping others. Fortunately, happenstance
opened her eyes to other possibilities.

“When we moved to the St. Louis area in 1990,” she
said, “I began to create things for our new home, as well
as for family and friends. People began asking me for
more of the things I had created, which ultimately led me

to the question: Can I make a living doing this?”

Deciding to take a chance, Cowell exhibited at her
first craft event in 1992. Based on her success over the
ensuing 23 years, it appears that the answer to her
question was a resounding “yes.”

Looking back, Cowell believes she had much to learn
at the time of her festival debut. Regardless, her creative
energies were stirred and today, she believes she’s found
her niche in the 3-D world. Moreover, she realized that
she had a knack for making the unwanted loved again.

“Much of my passion is taking worn or discarded
things and using them to create something of value,” said
the artist, who’s dedicated to using recycled materials in
her work and is fascinated by modern art’s repurposing
craze. “One of my favorite pieces was a Santa standing
behind a sewing-machine cabinet, and he had a
collection of very old, broken toys in front of him. The
story was that the children had sent him these toys and
asked him to make them new again.

“I felt like that piece spoke to the essence of what I
am about.”

Similar to her love of art, Cowell’s devotion to finding new owners for old things can be traced back to childhood, thanks to an antique shop owned by her father, who was U.S. military, in her native Germany. (She
also believes time spent in that country through the years
contributed heavily to the Old World look seen in many
of her Santas.) Furthermore, she credits her grandmother
with teaching her how to sew.
“I can remember her making doll clothes with me
during her last months of her life as she battled cancer,”
said Cowell. “Those were some of my very favorite
memories!”

Cowell starts her creative process by choosing a
theme based on an object or antique before designing
a unique story for the intended piece. “I get very excited
during this stage of the artwork,” she said, “as my creativity
becomes fully engaged. Once I have envisioned how it
The Night Before Christmas finding new owners for old things can be traced back to childhood, thanks to an antique shop owned by her
father, who was U.S. military, in her native Germany. (She
also believes time spent in that country through the years
contributed heavily to the Old World look seen in many
of her Santas.) Furthermore, she credits her grandmother
with teaching her how to sew.
“I can remember her making doll clothes with me
during her last months of her life as she battled cancer,”
said Cowell. “Those were some of my very favorite
memories!”
Cowell starts her creative process by choosing a
theme based on an object or antique before designing
a unique story for the intended piece. “I get very excited
during this stage of the artwork,” she said, “as my creativity
becomes fully engaged. Once I have envisioned how it
The Night Before Christmas will all look, I begin the process of
bringing all of my talent, creativity and resources together to make it
happen.”

She then moves on to her least
favorite part of the job: The repetitive
process of prepping the piece’s
body, cutting out coats and pants,
and sewing. Once done, it’s time to
market the finished product — and
she makes extensive use of art &
craft festivals to do so.

Cowell largely focuses on
Midwest events, and she cites
Columbus Winterfair and Cincinnati
Winterfair by Ohio Designer
Craftsmen (of which she is a member)
as being among her favorites. “Both
are true art shows right around
Christmastime,” she said, “which is
obviously our market!” She’s willing
to loan her talents to good causes,
too, such as the Friends of Kids
with Cancer annual benefit held at
Clayton, Missouri.

Although she appreciates art
festivals for providing an opportunity
to sell her work, she also cherishes them for the one-on-one interaction
they provide with patrons. “I love to have people stop and enjoy looking,
even if they are not in the market to buy a Santa,” said Cowell. “They often
stop, gaze and break out in a huge smile. I can tell the work is touching
the heart.”

What’s more, one gets the
feeling that those hearts and smiles
are worth more to Cowell than all
the money on earth; unsurprising,
given her strong Christian faith. “We
live in a very hurting and broken
world,” she said, “and I want my work
to bring some joy back into the lives
of others.

“I can remember my first show
after 9/11. People would come with
tears in their eyes, remembering
times in their lives when they felt
safe and secure. These Santas often
bring so many good memories back
to the hearts of those who enjoy
them!”

Cowell also joined the Best of
Missouri Hands artist guild in the
‘90s; an association that landed her work on the cover of Better Homes
and Gardens Crafts Showcase in 1997. Between staying active in the
aforementioned groups and a hectic production and exhibition schedule,
it’s amazing she has time to keep up with it all. Nevertheless, she and Bill
recently extended themselves even further by introducing a new line
called SnowPeople.

Priced in the $20-$40 range,
these collectibles are uniquely
crafted from antique bottles, glass,
vintage jewelry and other found
objects, and they’re as filled with
the holiday spirit as the rest of her
work. No shock there — after all,
finding new life for the discarded
and spreading holiday cheer is what
she does.

As Cowell told us: “It is obvious
that I love everything old and
everything Christmas! As an artist,
my heart is put into every piece that
is made.”

More of Linda Cowell’s work
can be found on her website, www.
lindacowelloriginals.com