We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Bohne-Linnard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.
Hi Cassandra, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I began painting at an early age, in my college years actually. It was a hobby, a very therapeutic hobby. I found painting to be very soothing and relaxing. I continued painting throughout my career and never even tried to pursue it as a business or a career. It wasn’t until my husband and I made a critical decision in our lives that I truly began to feel my purpose in life. I retired from the corporate world and decided to focus on my family and my art – but this time I would pursue my passion and make it more than a hobby. I began exploring with different media and techniques and kept striving for more. I eventually began using real preserved butterflies in my art and quickly knew that my purpose was to bring my art to the world. My paintings and butterfly clocks brought so much joy and fulfillment to so many that I knew this is what I was meant to do, meant to deliver. Everything came into place so quickly and perfectly and I cannot imagine my life any other way!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a native Houstonian and have been painting oils & acrylics for over 20 years. After retiring from the corporate world I dedicated myself to my young family and in this environment, I found that my artistic creativity flourished. After creating “Freedom” an abstract oil painting of a blue butterfly, I was captivated by the natural beauty of butterflies and inspired to create art using real, preserved butterflies. I wanted to resurrect the butterflies and bring them to life through my art. Day in and day out, I strove for uniqueness and creativity; I felt that I needed to bring something entirely new to the world of art. When my husband and I came up with the idea of using real, preserved butterflies in a working, functional clock I immediately knew that this was what I was meant to do, what I was meant to bring into this world. Immediately, my butterfly clocks gained popularity and I was quick to apply for a patent! My clocks are stunning works of art and functional timepieces and have transformed the world of art and interior design. Because of what the butterflies mean to so many people, my work has unique meaning to each person who experiences it. My art has brought people to tears and invoked emotions in so many. Five years ago I would have never thought this could be possible but today it is a reality that I am incredibly thankful for!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience was definitely key for my thoughout my artistic journey! I had no experience in working with real butterflies so I had to educate myself if I wanted to incorporate this delicate creature into my art. I had to learn how to hydrate the dried species and then spread them and preserve them. This was no easy feat as there were tools and techniques essential to this process. Mastering this skill was not easy but I stuck with it because I knew this is what I wanted to do. But learning how to work with butterflies wasn’t enough for me! I needed to educate myself and fill my mind with as much knowledge as I possibly could. The world of butterflies quickly became my world too! I did research online, bought book after book and immersed myself. I strove to learn as much as I could about the various species, habitats, migration patterns, life cycles and I am still learning to this day!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband, David, is my number one fan and supporter. When I first started on this artistic journey David had the utmost confidence in my abilities and all throughout he envisioned success and never let any obstacles sway his stance. He also pushed me to keep going and going and going. When I was tired or unmotivated, David was there to pick me up and inspire me to do more and be more. As a lover of my art, he is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: bluebutterflydesigns.net
