We have a new contributor to help us celebrate Autumn, meet artist Jo Bonomini!
As part of Jo's first solo art exhibition 'Saturate: Experiments in Colour', we have teamed up to create two fantastic workshops that explore the themes and ideas that Jo often references in her own art pieces as well as 3 fabulous printed t-shirts featuring some of her original collage pieces. Join us in getting to know Jo a little better...
Jo Bonomini is a painter and mixed media artist based in Malvern. She has a keen interest in colour and it’s bold application into landscape and abstract painting, along with experimental work exploring the use of symbolism and the macabre through the use of paper collage.
How did you get in to art?
I’ve been into it forever! One of my first memories was telling my Grandma that I was going to be an artist when I grew up, and I was always most comfortable hanging around the art block at school. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study fine art at the University of Gloucestershire however after graduation art took a complete backseat in my life.
I picked up the brushes again in 2020 and started making small floral watercolour paintings during my evenings and things have really just snowballed from there. I can’t imagine not having art in my life again.
Describe your art style in 3 words..
Vibrant, expressive, nostalgic
Tell me about your favourite medium and why?
I love so many, but acrylic paint is probably my most used medium. I find the durability and range of colours incredible, I am impatient so their short drying time is a huge advantage for me.
I also love soft pastels, they can be tricky to use when you start out but with persistence you can create the fluffiest clouds and dreamy sunset skies.
Who are you biggest artistic influences?
Nature is probably my biggest influence, I started painting landscapes to capture the feeling of being in big sky country. I want to evoke the feeling of being on a rugged Cumbrian fell or the smell of the summer wildflowers on the Malvern Hills within my work. I love to watch the seasonal changes and escaping on a long hike is one of my favourite things to do when not painting. All the landscapes I paint are of places I have been and loved, so in that respect they are also quite sentimental.
My other big influences have been my creative friends, the ones I have made online and locally in the art community. To be able to talk with like-minded people has been a key element in my artistic growth.
Favourite art piece/exhibition you have seen recently?
It’s not one I have seen recently but I saw Chris Ofili’s exhibition The Upper Room in 2005 at Tate Britain. I was 21 at the time and to see these 13 humongous paintings, with their iconography, vibrancy and adorned with map pins, elephant dung and resin just stirred something in me. I was fascinated by the way the paintings were lit making the resin cast colourful reflections on the floor like water. It opened me up to the idea of using mixed media in my work and playing with material in unconventional ways to achieve striking results.
What motivates you to create?
Firstly competition with myself, and having a sheer pig headed drive to improve my work to a standard at which I want it to be at, but most importantly I do it for my mental health. When life gets a bit stressful I find being creative the perfect way to relax and unwind. It allows you to focus on what you are doing in the moment which can be a break from the noise of everyday life. This is what I loved when finding Artists Clubhouse and their creative club, art should not be “gate kept” and they foster an ethos which is inclusive for beginners through to professionals. Creating for the sake of creating is such a powerful thing you can do for your mind.
Favourite piece of artwork you have created…
It’s got to be the lantern I created for the CS Lewis Narnia art trail in Malvern in December 2023. I was lucky enough to team up with Austin and Co who have the most fabulous window space allowing me to make a 2 metre painting of the famous Malvern/Narnia lantern which adorned the shop window over the Christmas period. I am working with them again this year, so watch this space we are going bigger and better, with a circus theme.
What one piece of advice do you have for others who want to be more creative or why they should be creative?
I spent many years telling myself and others that I didn’t have time to create, but the truth is that it is like everything, if you want to do it enough you need to prioritise it in your life, and if you want to get good at it you have to put in the time. There is no short cut for that I am afraid!
Saturate: Experiments in Colour by Jo Bonomini runs from 11th - 16th October at The Artery Studios, Arch 28, Croft Road, Worcester.
The Circle Within
with Jo Bonomini & Sounds Omazing
13th October, 15.30-17.30
The Artery Studios
Join us for a rejuvenating 2-hour workshop designed to help you unwind from the stresses of everyday life. This session invites you to explore the energy of circles through dynamic expressive mark making, movement, and relaxation practices.
We’ll begin with meditative breathing exercises to centre and ground ourselves. Then, immerse yourself in the joy of creation using paints, pens, and pastels, allowing your hands to freely express whatever comes to mind, with no goals other than to create, feel and repeat. As the art flows, so will the music, encouraging you to dance, move, and smile, letting your body express its unique rhythm.
This workshop is a safe space to let go, to smile, and to rejuvenate through expressive movements and creative play. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your inner joy, leaving you refreshed and grounded, ready to face the world with renewed energy.
Shelley is amazing at helping you to feel relaxed and try new ideas in a fun way; I was really nervous and anxious the first time I did one of Shelley’s workshops but by the end I was smiling ear to ear and I’m sure you will be too! - Emily
Symbolic Stories: Crafting Narratives in Mixed Media Collage.
with Jo Bonomini & Artists Clubhouse
15 October, 18:30 – 20:30
The Artery Studios
Step into our creative space for an exciting workshop that dives into the world of symbolism through the art of mixed media collage. Join us as we blend creativity, symbolism, and storytelling into unique, expressive pieces.
You'll get hands-on guidance on creating dynamic and emotive paintings that set the stage for your collage. Explore Jo’s extensive collection of vintage magazines and other eclectic materials to craft your own visual masterpiece that you can cherish forever.
Whether you're crafting a deeply personal narrative or drawing inspiration from historical and fictional tales, we’re here to help you unleash your creativity and make a beautifully messy piece of art. Let's create something unforgettable together!
Find out more about Jo on her website www.jobonominiart.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @jobonominiart. Shop the new merchandise collection here.
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