U.S. Army Sergeant and combat veteran Geoffrey R. Bowton discovered a passion for creative expression during his deployments to the Middle East, specifically in Afghanistan. In the ‘6Whiskey’ wood shop, a makeshift workshop in a small tent, Sgt. Bowton and his fellow soldiers crafted innovative solutions to enhance their living spaces, from practical storage solutions to unique structures like “Portable Toilets.” These projects not only improved functionality but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the troops.
By infusing creativity into his surroundings, Bowton created a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the battlefield, providing a much-needed escape for himself and his comrades. Today, he uses his artwork to “offer a medium for navigating the emotional landscapes of deployment history and current veteran experiences.” Veteran Obsolete, his upcoming exhibition at Touchstone Center for Crafts, sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by military members as they navigate a challenging transition back into civilian life.
Bowton creates delicate casts of military artifacts using the ancient glassmaking technique paté de verre, or “glass paste.”
“Working with glass is a constructive place where I unpack my life as a veteran, to collect evidence from military service and investigate how those experiences impact human life,” he says. “When I am holding army gear I used to wear or carry, these objects now act as a trigger connecting me back into a specific memory.”
Bowton will speak about his exhibition, his journey from soldier to artist, and the transformative power of creativity in the face of adversity at a free lecture here at Pittsburgh Glass Center in collaboration with Touchstone Center for Crafts on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome. The event is free; reservations are requested.
Veteran Obsolete is on view May 3–July 26, 2025 in the Bea Campbell Gallery at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA. Learn more.
The public is invited to a free artist talk with Geoffrey Bowton at Pittsburgh Glass Center on Thursday, May 22, 6:00pm. Reservations requested.
Pittsburgh Glass Center is proud to offer scholarships for veterans to explore their creativity with glass. Learn more and apply.
