The Artist
Nature Grounds Me...
"It keeps me humble, It reminds me how small we are and how important it is for us to use our gifts and strive to leave this world a bit better for us having been here…"
I have not always been comfortable calling myself an artist. Seemed like I was bragging, or making statements about my creative worth that I was certainly not qualified to make. Years of soul-searching, conversations with other creative friends, reading, and many long solitary walks have brought me to terms with accepting and being the person God intends me to be. An artist. There. I’ve said it. No ego; it simply is what it is. Now I am comfortable doing what I do. Happy to let go and see what happens when I work.
I create because nature inspires me. My art is the voice I use to share with others how I view the world. Nature grounds me. It keeps me humble, It reminds me how small we are and how important it is for us to use our gifts and strive to leave this world a bit better for us having been here… I am constantly in awe of what God has made. My goal is to share that inspiration through my art in the hope that others will also be inspired.
A BS in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota and decades working in the industry have led me to a place where there is a great melding in my professional lives. My time is shared between the art studio and interior design . A wonderful blend of two very creative fields. I find daily inspiration working with wonderful clients who share my love of Nature, some of the most talented interiors designers, and many gifted artists. I wake up grateful for so much every single day!
~Bonnie J. Swenson Folkerts
Commissions
The commission process is as diverse as the people and companies who come to us looking for something totally unique and one of a kind.
The goal is to create something that is meaningful to the client. It can be a painting that reminds them of a special time or place in their lives, or captures the personality of a beloved pet. Corporate or personal note cards, or hand-painted furniture or accessories can also be created. It is a process that is always driven by the customer. I am the conduit who takes their ideas and creates something meaningful and tangible for them.
The first step is to have a conversation about what the goals and expectations are. Then I create sketches that serve as a starting point for the design process.
After reviewing the sketches, a non-refundable deposit is made and work begins. Part way through the process the progress is shared and, once approved, work continues through to completion. Final payment is due prior to pick up, shipping or delivery.
