Life and Work with Alexandra (Lexie) Bowers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra (Lexie) Bowers.

Alexandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 19 years old I was walking through Home Depot buying art supplies for my studio classes at Arizona State University. I happened upon soldering irons, as I was looking at them an employee of Home Depot walked up and told me I could wood burn with one. I guess it was a right time, right place, and I ended up walking away with a $10 iron, scrap wood and played around with the medium for a few years. Fast forward a couple years after my first encounter with wood burning, while living abroad in Florence, Italy I saw a local with a refined wood burning kit. Watching her work at the market with her high-end burner educated me into the possibilities of wood burning with better equipment.

Now, a decade later, I’m a full time “pyrographer” (wood burner) with a high-end fine art practice and retail business.

Great, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I would say that’s the beauty of being in the creative industry and art world. It’s been an interesting road trying to figure out products that are desirable and marketable for my Iron Root business. I also hear the word “no” quite a bit in the fine art world. That’s a word every artist has to get used to, and not get “burned” by in order to continue to move forward in the industry. Looking at the glass half full, when you are told: “no” the opportunities that turn into “yeses” become so much sweeter because you know what it’s like being on the other side. Some of the best advice I’ve been told that I would pass on is “fake it till you make it.” And, surround yourself with a solid network and support team that will pick you up during your lowest moments.

Please tell us about Alexandra Bowers and Iron Root.
I specialize in the medium of “pyrography” or “wood burning.” I have two hats that I wear under the umbrella of wood burning. The first “hat” is my fine art practice where I show in gallery spaces under the name “Alexandra Bowers” all over Arizona and outside the state. My fine art practice revolves around the natural environment that continues to persevere around our ever-growing urban landscape. I like to pick specific flora and fauna, research my subject matter, then produce work surrounding my research. More recently I’ve been integrating watercolor into my fine art pieces, turning them into “mixed media.”

My second “hat” is that of entrepreneur/small business owner. In 2013, I formed my LLC “Iron Root.” Iron root revolves around southwest inspired, utilitarian goods for the home that are also wood burned. My products consist of wood burned salad tongs, cooking spoons, bamboo food boards, coasters, small decorative pieces for the home, and most recently bandannas.

I’m most proud of bringing attention and awareness back to our natural world. I think its so easy to get consumed by our cell phones, televisions, and computers. We forget to go play outside or think about the world past our man-made identities. My hope is that by working with a tool in your kitchen that has a specimen burned into it, you stop for a moment to think about it before carrying on with your day, or your task at hand. I also hope the same for my artwork. When people come to my exhibitions, I hope they leave with a sense of curiosity or a different perspective about the world past their backyards.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my medium of choice (wood burning). I haven’t met too many other people or companies like mine. I burn everything by hand, which is something I care a lot about and want people to know. Usually, the first question I get when someone is looking at my Iron Root product or artwork is, “is that laser engraved?” I have nothing against laser engraving, it’s just important for people to know I do it by hand because I got my BFA in drawing, so I’ve spent a lot of time and money honing my technique.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
In terms of finding a mentor, I would say research businesses and individuals who are established in what you are pursuing with your life, and reach out to them for a cup of coffee or to see where you might support them in their endeavors. If they are an artist, go to one of their openings, if they are a business go check out their business.

What has worked for me in terms of networking is just showing up. I make sure to keep my finger on the pulse towards activities that interest me and I show up when something is happening. I try and go to as many art openings as I can. I participate in markets throughout the year with my Iron Root product and I reach out to individuals who inspire me. I try and meet people I admire and look up to whenever possible,

Contact Info:

• Website: Alexandrabowersart.com (for fine art) Ironroot.co (for my business)
• Phone: 480- 510- 4580
• Email: lexiebowersart@gmail.com
• Instagram: lexievbowers (open to the public, I use this for day to day info and fine art postings) and iron_root (for my business)

Image Credit:
Tricky Burns, William LeGoullon, Jason Grubb

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