Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Bohnwagner.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
When I was a little girl, my mom would let me watch Kimba the White Lion while I ate lunch. The Japanese anime told the story of a lion learning about both human and animal life and trying to lead both toward mutual respect and harmony. This message was reinforced by my Saturday morning TV show, The Nature World of Captain Bob. Captain Bob Cottle gave drawing tutorials while teaching about his wildlife subjects. He inspired my love of nature, art, and “the wondrous world we live in.” Those two television shows were a powerful combination that sunk deep into my soul. I grew up wandering about the woods and marshes of Essex, MA observing nature and wondering how people could be so indifferent toward it.
After high school, I debated taking classes at the local agricultural college or entering the School for Field Studies before my guidance counselor convinced me to take advantage of my talent and go to art school. Four years later, after receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ringling School of Art & Design and a humiliating critique from one of the instructors, I thought perhaps I made the wrong choice. I stepped away from art for a time to work with animals: first, working with cats at a feline boarding facility while volunteering with the animal department at the Museum of Science in Boston and later managing a large animal shelter while volunteering at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. But as every artist knows, that creative spirit can’t be kept quiet for long. My husband and I returned to the Boston area and I began taking classes at the Newburyport Art Association to rebuild my artistic confidence.
During this time, I miserably worked at a full-time office job while working on my art part-time. Since I wasn’t working with animals, I painted my passion for them instead. I began entering small shows, then bigger shows, then national shows and selling work on a regular basis, but constantly wishing I could paint more than just a few hours in the evening after work. As the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for.
In 2015, my doctor discovered that my spine was severely damaged and required surgery to fuse the lower part. Mandatory 6-8 weeks off from work. I saw this as an opportunity! Recovering at home as the natural elements rebuilt my spine, I realized that I could still paint while lying in bed. In fact, I had all the elements I needed: food, shelter, love, and art. The connection between the natural elements and the elements of life came together and gave me the idea to paint the periodic table of the elements. Over 8 weeks, I researched and painted 71 element paintings and, with the help of friends and loved ones, framed and hung them in a solo show. The paintings were extremely well received and I sold them all – having to re-paint some of them to sell several times over. One even making its way to Australia!
Soon after that experience, I quit my job to pursue art full-time. It’s not easy. In fact, I think I work harder now and for more hours than I have in any previous job, but it’s completely worth it.
From this experience, I realized that THIS is what I was meant to do. Not just paint, but share my vision of the world in which all things are connected and speak to each other in some form. From the spiritual realm down to the cellular level, every being and experience along the way matters. My passion is simply to express the wonder of it all and foster a greater appreciation and sense of stewardship for all of the creations that make up and share our world.
Please tell us about your art.
From my experience painting the elements, I realized that THIS is what I was meant to do. Not just paint, but share my vision of the world in which all things are connected and speak to each other in some form, from the spiritual realm down to the cellular level. I believe all creation matters, every being and experience along the way. My passion is simply to express the wonder of it all and foster a greater appreciation and sense of stewardship for all of the creations that make up and share our world.
My work begins with time spent in nature capturing observations and moments with my camera and journal. I translate these thoughts into writing on my All Creation Matters blog or onto the canvas in acrylic paint. I use acrylic mediums to create a textured surface which I then work over using vivid color combinations. From the photos and language in my blog to the brushstrokes and color combinations in my paintings, the idea is to draw attention to the unique quality of each experience and creation.
The series I’m currently working on is called The Lost Constellations. The ancient Greeks created many of the constellations we know today, but during the Scientific Revolution of the late 17 and early 1800’s many more were created. So many, in fact, that in 1922 The International Astronomical Union came to the decision that there will only be 88 recognized constellations and all the others were made obsolete. I find the entire concept fascinating from man’s need to somehow create order from the infinite, to the story behind each constellation, and the idea that imaginary lines in the sky can be regulated. Through research in books and old maps I’m re-discovering those obsolete constellations. Each one existed powerfully in someone’s mind at one point in history and I want to honor that by sharing their story.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
From my own experience, I find that the biggest challenge is often an internal one. In order to make art, we must be vulnerable. That vulnerability challenges us to face our doubts and fears publicly which, in the age of social media, is a very large place indeed.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Visit my website.
While there, sign up for my email list to get info on my upcoming shows.
I post images and videos of my most recent work on Instagram and Facebook: @lisabohnwagner
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisabohnwagner.com
- Email: lisa@lisabohnwagner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabohnwagner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabohnwagner/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaBohnwagner
- Other: https://medium.com/@lisabohnwagner
Image Credit:
All photos copyright Lisa Bohnwagner 2018
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