Bonny Butler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Bonny, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A few nights ago I had my very first Art Reception as “Artist of the Month” at one of my favorite Gallery’s, Gallery 113 in Santa Barbara. For the first time, I was able to hang, show, display and sell several of my largest pieces together on a large wall, and seeing them side-by-side filled me with lots of joy and pride. The gallery was full of energy, the response was wonderful, and I found myself laughing and smiling all evening. It was an evening of validation as an artist. And just recently, it was relayed to me that I sold one of the largest pieces “A Promising Sunrise” to a new collector.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Wow, I am an artist now. Those five words make me very happy. After 40 years of being immersed in the dog world, grooming, contesting and owning my own business, I decided to cherish the memories, to follow my heart and chase after my life-long dream of learning how to paint.
I took my first watercolor class in 2012 at 57 years old. My art training has consisted of dozens of art classes, courses and workshops. I’ve traveled far, I stay regionally and I try to stay involved in gathering concepts, techniques and ideas almost on a daily basis. I’ve become obsessed with learning all the mediums out there and I try to paint and practice daily. I am most in love with the medium I am working with today, but more in love with the one I will try tomorrow. And today, it’s the soft pastels.
Some would call me fickle, but at heart, I simply want to paint and absorb everything the process brings. Vivid hues, bold brushstrokes, and the freedom of abstraction are where I find my joy. Beyond the studio, I’ve taken on the role of a part-time caregiver for my husband of 30 years. A pancreatic cancer survivor, he now faces additional health challenges, including a recent diagnosis of Hydrocephalus. While my responsibilities are many, it is my art- colorful, expressive and full of energy- that sustains me and keeps my spirit going.
It’s been challenging to find my own voice and expression as I feel I am constantly evolving with my creative process. I am open to those serendipitous moments. I mostly paint intuitively. My substrates vary from canvases, wood panel, bristol paper, yupo, watercolor papers, and panel boards.
My art explores the fine balance of abstraction and realism, with a dose of impressionism, and together with my sensitive heart, you will always know it’s a Bonny Butler piece of art.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I always loved art, but raising a son and owning a pet store and dog grooming business had me go in a different direction.
So before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a creative spirit. Even during my 40 years running the shop, I found ways to express that creativity- from stying dogs to refinishing furniture, decoupaging, gardening, cooking, even practicing Tai Chi. Creativity was always the thread that wove through everything that I did. Eventually I realized that art was calling me most strongly, and I had to follow that pull, follow my heart, follow that instinct to . . . paint. It truly feels like I’m home now.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Well, that seems like an open ended question, so I will keep it light and transparent to what is going on these days.
Almost every time I look at my blank canvas, or a piece I’ve been working on, that little voice of doubt creeps in and shows up. Imposter syndrome whispers, ‘Who am I to call myself a painter? Maybe this is just a hobby, maybe I should not be sharing these silly little paintings.’ It happens weekly, if not more. But even with those feelings, I don’t give up. My dear sister, sent a meme to me, so many years ago, “I can do hard things” and when I start wanting to give up, I recall that meme. Another powerful African Proverb that I have on my studio wall says ” When a mountain is in your path, do not sit at its foot and cry. Get up and climb it.”
I remind myself that creating brings me joy, and that is reason enough to keep going. Every time I push through the doubt, I find myself again in the work.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I do my very best to live authentically, transparently, and without shame for where I’ve been, what I’ve done, and where I’m headed. My oldest friends, family and supporters have watched my artistic and personal growth and are proud of me because they know exactly who I am. And with my newer friends and followers, I have nothing to hide. What you see is what you get.
For me, art is not just an expression on canvas, but an extension of how I move through life. How I live my life. The same colors, energy, and honesty that flow into my paintings are the qualities I try to embody every day.
My art reflects the way I chose to see the world- with resilience, vibrancy and joy, even in the face of challenges. I believe that when we create and share from a place of honesty, people realize it, and that truth is what connects us.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
If I have one regret, it would be not seeing more of the world. I would love the chance to travel more widely, to immerse myself in new cultures, to paint plein air in unfamiliar landscapes, and to take part in inspiring workshops I often see happening abroad. Right now, family and personal responsibilities keep me rooted at home, so extensive travel isn’t possible just yet. But I don’t see that as a closed door- I carry the hope the opportunities may still come. In the meantime, I find joy in following friends and fellow artists who share their journeys and their paintings. Through them, I get to experience the beauty of the world vicariously, and that in itself fuels my imagination and reminds me that inspiration can be found both far away and right where I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BonnyButler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnysue1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnybutlerart
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