My glass artwork, showcasing a bust of my army helmet and combat top, delves into my role as an IED master trainer and the emotional aftermath of loss and injury. Through the juxtaposition of fragile glass and resilient military artifacts, I explore feelings of guilt and responsibility.

This piece serves as a visual narrative of introspection, offering a path towards healing and self-understanding through the transformative power of art.

In my Pate de Verre creation, I explore the enduring impact of war on soldiers. The mask, adorned with scattered brains, symbolizes fragmented memories and the lingering trauma of battle. Paired with gloves representing duty and bloodshed, the artwork conveys the weight of responsibility carried by soldiers.

Through this piece, I seek to evoke empathy and provoke contemplation on the complexities of warfare and its lasting effects on individuals

In my glass artwork, I crafted a poignant representation of my combat helmet, symbolizing the potential threat of an enemy sniper's round ending my life. The piece is elevated on a steel armature crafted from local Penland railroad screws, visually enhancing this moment while on the ground.

The back of the helmet features a target motif, delving deeper into the emotional complexities of combat. Through this creation, I aim to capture the intensity and vulnerability experienced in military situations, inviting viewers to contemplate the harsh realities of warfare.

Through the lens of a veteran's perspective, my artwork delves into the evocative reality of the 22-a-day suicide epidemic within our community. As a former service member, I intimately understand the silent struggles and emotional complexities that lead to such devastating statistics.

Drawing from my own experiences and those of my comrades, I seek to capture the profound sense of loss, resilience, and solidarity that define our collective journey. My art serves as a visual narrative, urging viewers to confront the harsh realities of mental health in the veteran community and to foster compassion, support, and healing.

“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. 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.”

by, Geoffrey Bowton.

Discover more about this exhibition by watching the video and exploring the manifesto through this link here.

Video-Geoffrey Bowton

In my wall installation I created at Pilchuck Glass School during the Emerging Artist in Residency program, I meticulously deconstructed elements of my army uniform, symbolizing the dissection of my identity and body.

Through the transformation of these objects into a new visual form, I explore the deep connection between my military service and the multiple service-connected disabilities I bear, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex interplay between identity, trauma, and personal history.

This work is located inside “NiCOE” the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, (learn more, follow link) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Washington, DC.

Drawing from personal experiences, the sculpture "Mr. Stigma" delves into the post-combat struggles of veterans, echoing my own journey of overcoming societal prejudices. Crafted using army gear like the extreme cold weather mask and combat uniform, the artwork embodies the stigmas identified by National Alliance on Mental Illness, or “NAMI”, across seven different categories, shedding light on the challenges faced by those returning from deployments.

This piece serves as a poignant reflection on the harmful labels, including "war monsters," that unfairly taint veterans' identities. Through my personal narrative woven into this sculpture, I aim to encourage empathy, understanding, and dialogue surrounding the mental health struggles of those who have served their country.

Discover more about NAMI and Stigmas by selecting the link here. NAMI-Stigmas.

Discover nine unique ways to fight against Stigmas by selecting the link here. Fight-Stigmas.

In many ways, undisclosed and untreated service members are still struggling with Mental Health. The proof is in the overwhelming suicide statistics and the numbers continue to rise.

According to the United Service Organization, or USO, their studies point to PTSD as a precipitating factor of suicide. Recent data in 2021, found that 30,177 active duty and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide, compared to the 7,057 who died in combat. This spans over the 20-year war in the Middle East, a four to one ratio.

To discover more about the USO and suicide epidemic, select the link here. USO-Suicide Epidemic.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings, the Military/Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live, or text 838255. A caring, qualified responder will listen and help.

'Disposable Hero' is a Pate de Verre sculpture that delves into the intricate layers of heroism and the harsh realities of war. Depicting a plastic toy soldier with a target etched into the helmet, a bleeding gunshot wound, and a silenced mouth marked by an 'X,' the artwork challenges viewers to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of heroism.

The juxtaposition of innocence and violence symbolizes the disposable nature of heroes in modern society, prompting contemplation on the complexities of war and the dehumanization it can bring. This sculpture stands as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of heroism and the toll it takes on those who embody it.

Discover more in the link below about Alpha Company, “Attack Company” and the `Disposable Heroes’.

In my Pate de Verre triptych, I delve into the emotional evolution of a soldier through three distinct bags. The first bag symbolizes the optimism of a new recruit, the second portrays the burdened stance of a seasoned individual facing the harsh realities of service, and the third reveals the profound impact of time and experience on a veteran.

This series captures the transformative journey of sacrifice, resilience, and introspection in the realm of military service.

In this dynamic military tribute, the artistry of Pate de Verre transcends the battlefield, capturing the heroic yet haunting experiences of soldiers who survived the Middle East conflicts.

Supported by a sturdy steel armature, the glass artifacts magnificently portray the brutal scars of warfare: gunshot wounds, grenade shrapnel, IED explosions, RPG assaults, sniper attacks, and lacerations to the body.

The arrangement, evoking a returning warrior at rest, offers a chilling glimpse into the visceral reality of combat. Each meticulously crafted piece serves as a gripping testament to the valor and sacrifice demanded by war. Follow this link to learn more about the 5/20th Battalion.

This work belongs to the permanent collection at Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Follow this link to see more Sykes Regulars Details.

My Pate de Verre triptych symbolizes the stages of military life through the portrayal of brains: the fresh recruit, battle-scarred soldier, and recovering veteran. This series delves into themes of innocence, adversity, and renewal, inviting viewers to contemplate the emotional complexities of military service.

The visual contrast between untouched, wounded, and partially healed brains serves as a poignant metaphor for the journey from vulnerability to strength, resilience, and the process of healing in the aftermath of military experiences.

Utilizing an Israeli bandage and a series of mold-making procedures, I sculpted a full head-mask in Pate de Verre, symbolizing the act of masking emotions and concealing inner struggles. This artwork serves as a visual metaphor for addressing unseen wounds and mental health concerns stemming from military deployments and combat experiences.

By exploring the dual purpose of the mask as both a shield and a healing aid, I delve into the complexities of psychological resilience and the necessity of acknowledging and navigating inner battles. It embodies the intricate dynamics of military life while highlighting the importance of mental well-being in the face of adversity.

Discover more about Mental Health and how it matters in the military. Resources available at Military One Source.

My Pate de Verre artwork, featuring a torn glass arm symbolizing the aftermath of an IED blast reflects my experience as a master trainer in the army. This piece embodies the emotional weight of encountering IEDs, surviving a close call, and grappling with the guilt of lost lives and injuries.

Through this creation, I confront the complexities of combat, the burden of survivor's guilt, and the intricate realities of the battlefield. This art serves as a medium for me to process and understand the rigors of military service, offering a visual narrative of resilience, loss, and the enduring impact of wartime experiences.

Discover more about IED’s by following the link here. NATO-IED-Information.

This army helmet triptych symbolizes the journey of a soldier transitioning from service to civilian life. The pristine first helmet represents hope and readiness, while the second with battle wounds symbolizes the hardships of combat. The third helmet, with repaired areas, reflects resilience and recovery. Through the wear and aging of the straps, the passage of time and experience is evident.

My artwork highlights a soldier's struggle with post-war mental health battles and the importance of support and refocusing energy in civilian life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and the journey towards healing and recovery.

Discover more about transitioning from military to civilian life, here: Military One Source - Transitioning

In my sculptural work, I explore the intricate relationship between military service and mental health, specifically focusing on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Through the delicate art of pate de verre, I symbolically depict the convergence of two minds - one representing the regimented army brain, and the other, the tender civilian brain colored in pink, embodying the presence of PTSD.

In the poignant meeting between these two brains, they acknowledge each other's existence, forging a partnership marked by acceptance and unity. This artistic journey serves as a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and the transformative power of embracing all facets of the self.

Discover more about this subject and how to understand what PTSD really is, here: Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings, the Military/Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live, or text 838255. A caring, qualified responder will listen and help.

In my artwork Saints & Savages, I delve into the harsh realities of conflict, particularly in combat zones like Afghanistan. By incorporating worn boots that have traversed these treacherous landscapes and paired with a steel chess board symbolizing the strategic nature of warfare, I seek to provoke contemplation on the human cost of war. Through portraying the battlefield as a metaphorical chessboard where every move is crucial, I aim to highlight the sacrifices made by soldiers.

The juxtaposition of Vulnerability vs. Resilience in my work, invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of conflict and honor the courage of those who face its challenges.

“Hate breeds hate, quarrel breeds quarrels, war breeds war — a hateful progeny. It is the poorest of all remedies. It poisons as it cures.”

Andrew Carnegie, A League of Peace.

In my practice, I am using objects to recall deployment memories and one day I discovered the Von Restorff Effect. It is discussing the “Mnemonic-Object” method, asking you to displace a familiar object to an unfamiliar context. This will intentionally trigger the recall of memory when that out of place object is seen again.

Discover more about the Von Restorff Effect and see how this series helped me understand that principal. Von-Restorff-Effect

Discover more about the "Mnemonic-Object” method here: Mnemonic-Devices-Examples.

Journey through evocative narratives of soldiers and veterans in post-service life, captured in the delicate art of Pate de Verre glasswork. These helmets, PTSD1 and PTSD 2, became a starting point in my work. Each helmet serves as a window into the lived experiences of those navigating the challenges of transition and resilience outside the military system.

Explore the depths of human emotion, resilience, and community support depicted in these intricate glass sculptures. Allow these artworks to ignite conversations, provoke empathy, and illuminate the complexities of veteran life.

Together, we can honor the untold stories and foster understanding, compassion, and healing in a shared exploration of the human spirit.

Enjoy the Portfolio!

Discover more about Pate de Verre here: Pate de Verre

Journey through evocative narratives of soldiers and veterans in post-service life, captured in the delicate art of Pate de Verre glasswork. These helmets, PTSD1 and PTSD 2, became a starting point in my work. Each helmet serves as a window into the lived experiences of those navigating the challenges of transition and resilience outside the military system.

Explore the depths of human emotion, resilience, and community support depicted in these intricate glass sculptures. Allow these artworks to ignite conversations, provoke empathy, and illuminate the complexities of veteran life.

Together, we can honor the untold stories and foster understanding, compassion, and healing in a shared exploration of the human spirit.

Enjoy the Portfolio!

Discover more about Pate de Verre here: Pate de Verre