Meet Bonnie Lalley Artist | Full time working artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Lalley Artist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie Lalley, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?

There are so many things that have shaped me as a mature artist, that I will only name some of the most current things I am thinking of and feeling. I have always admired and been influenced by ancient and antique textiles, including carpets, shawls, embroideries, etc., but most recently, I have found myself closely studying American colonial samplers. Visually, I love the varied but ordered arrangements of patterns and images, and intellectually, I am fascinated by the common language of symbols that were prescribed for these embroideries, and shared by young women; symbols like the willow tree representing death or gardens for life, etc. What I love most of all is how despite the rigor of Colonial New England’s customs and mores, the young women embroiderers found ways of busting out with their own voices, which might be an oversized griffin that appears, or a risqué kissing couple.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My paintings are, as previously mentioned, often influenced by early textiles – so that means much pattern, color, animal, botanical and human imagery. They are painted on paper (French cotton rag) onto which I apply invented forms. I paint much of the imagery on separate sheets of paper and cut and apply them to the body of the piece. This opens up so many possibilities for moving shapes, using the negative shape leftover from the original image etc.. I do not pre-plan anything. I work intuitively and fluidly- changing constantly as I go.

How I arrived at this point in my career today seems to be one of those “suddenly” experiences, but, after forty years of working steadily to find my voice. Was it easy? Nothing good is ever easy haha! But, as I mentioned, I am surrounded by a loving and supportive family. This is my good fortune and something I wish for everyone trying to live as an artist.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hmmm, I don’t live in a city but, on the shores of a Great Lake. There are lovely places to visit, and I would pack a picnic basket ( which we do often as a family) and take our guests to a rolling green lawn that exists on a cliff above the lake , near a 19th century lighthouse. We would have grilled vegy naan sandwiches for those who prefer, and smash burgers for the carnivores. There would be salads, and cake. Wine and beer are always good with food out of doors followed by a thermos of mint tea. We can explore the lighthouse which still has its original lantern- an amazing artifact, it is like some huge glass crustacean assembled from small arc shaped pieces. This is how we have fun and entertain!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Tim Lalley and daughter Elizabeth Lalley have everything to do with how my career has developed recently. Tim has always been a great ally, critic, and supporter of me as an artist, and in addition to this, he is a master cabinetmaker who designs and hand-builds many of the beautiful frames for my work. Professionally speaking, I sort of won the trifecta haha! My daughter Elizabeth has had an equally strong role in my professional development. Elizabeth is a curator of contemporary art and my best art critic. She is a visually and intellectually keen art viewer and she is always direct with me. She is also active in sending news about exhibition opportunities my way.

Website: bonnielalley.com and www.artfullywalls.com/artists/bonnie-lalley-883365

Instagram: bonnielalley on instagram

Image Credits
Hollyn Johnson