|
Artist
Information
Bonita was born in northern Kentucky and spent most of her
childhood in hilly southern Indiana. After graduating from
Indiana University, an educational opportunity brought her
to Oregon and she now lives in Portland.
Frequent
moves from place to place gave Bonita an exposure to a variety
of schools and educational approaches- everything from old
fashioned desks with ink wells and strict rules to open classrooms
and learning centers. One elementary school had the most magnificent
crayon box, another had an easel and paint for those who finished
their assignments early, and yet another had a visiting art
teacher, Mrs. Davis, who wore cool clothes and was the best.
Camp crafts were just as rewarding as hiking in the woods
and swimming in the lake. High school and college curriculums
left no room for exploring art, however, the Art Center at
Indiana University provided a continuous source for experimenting
with all kinds of materials and art forms.
Recreational
Therapy is Bonita's occupation and art and creative expression
has been incorporated in some capacity in each treatment facility
and work setting. Following her own curiosity, Bonita has
studied drawing, painting, photography and design and worked
in metals, fibers and ceramics. Oil painting has been a passion
for the past 15 years. Bonita has now created a working studio
space in her home and has work in private homes, businesses
and collections and participates in area shows.
Artist
Statement
Art is a way to observe and study my environment and interpret
what I see. Often this is a simple and familiar object, or
it could be a scene, or a concept. Painting provides an opportunity
to study and investigate, interpret and express while working
on technical challenges. Painting is also a way to communicate
with others, to share ideas and observations. It is always
a pleasure to meet those attending shows and engage in discussion
about art, and the art making process.
It's
also just fun to move the paint around on the canvas and use
color!
I
paint for my own enjoyment. It is something I do because it
is a joy. It is very satisfying. I am fascinated by the emergence
of a visual concept- relating both to the subject matter and
the interpretation and materials being used. Solving the problems
that come with the process is part of the appeal and engagement.
Current and Upcoming Shows:
May 17th Alberta Street Art Hop- one full Saturday in one of Portland's art hot spots.
This is one not to be missed. Free to the public.
June 1 – 30, 2008- See current works featured at the Starbucks on 37th and Hawthorne and enjoy one of Portland's liveliest neighborhoods.
Greeting cards featuring images of Bonita's paintings are available for sale at
Lemon Tree
4035 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
(503) 287-3070
Twisted,
Portland newest and absolutely fabulous yarn shop at 2310 NE Broadway,
Portland, Oregon has a current show of recent works, including
landscapes and other interesting subject matter... Twisted
is open Tuesday through Sunday, has an excellent website, gorgeous
yarns, teas, comfy sofas, and the smiles and expertise of Shannon,
Emily, and Kate. info@twistedpdx.com
Some Bookstore in Sandy on the way to Mount Hood. Stop
in and visit Thom, and he can guide you through his growing collection
of excellent new and used books, collector's books, first edition
books, and specialty books. Also, it's a great source for a cup of
Stumptown Coffee. Thomas D. Walker and Diane Berthoin-Hernández,
Booksellers. 39080 Pioneer Blvd SANDY OR 97055 Phone: 503-668-9640 http://www.somebookstoreinsandy.com/
News Article:
Artists and patrons pleased with S.E. ARTWalk
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
There’s
been a virtual explosion of talented artists – working in widely
divergent media – in Inner Southeast Portland within the past decade.
In
2002, artist Rin Carroll Jackson created the Southeast Area ARTWalk –
now an annual event – to help artists connect with one another. The
idea caught on, and now this first-of-March exhibition showcases the
work of many area artists for patrons and for regular folks who enjoy
the creative stimuli of meeting the creative artisans.
This
year’s Southeast Area ARTwalk included exhibits and demonstrations of
80 artists. The public participated by obtaining a free map, and then
embarking on a self-guided tour of the artists’ creative spaces, or
their homes and businesses in the area.
Artist: Bonita Davis
Location: K&F Coffee, S.E. 26th Ave
Media: Oil on canvas; knitted handbags
Contact: www.bonitadavis.com
At the same bustling coffee shop, we also met Bonita Davis, an artist who creates stunning paintings that catch the eye.
“I’ve
been involved with painting, the longest,” related Davis. “Oil painting
on canvas is my passion; I’ve been pursuing it continuously for the
past 15 years.”
Although Davis works full time providing
rehabilitation services, she’s also learning how to create in a new
medium – knit art. “Knitting is a relatively new skill for me. I really
enjoy it, and it’s portable,” she said as she continued knitting a new
purse. “The main attraction for me is the wide variety of beautiful
yarns that are available.”
ArtSeen!
Interested in getting your work into a new venue? Interested in featuring artists in your business? Contact ArtSeen! at bonitajdavis@msn.com
Acknowledgements
RedKat Imaging, www.redkatimaging.com for professional photography
Han Glyder, "WebGeek".
Contact me for information at: BonitaJDavis@MSN.com
|
.
