Lisa Bohnwagner received a BFA in Illustration from Ringling School of Art and Design after transferring there from Montserrat College of Art. In school she worked solely in graphite and charcoal and had only one painting class.
“My painting skills were developed years later through my own experimentation and painting instructors Julie Airoldi and Robin Thornhill. I was initially an oil painter, but switched to acrylics in 2008 because the fumes from the oil paint and mediums were giving me migraines. There was an adjustment period, but now I’m thrilled with the versatility acrylics offer. So much to play with! I identify with work that has a transcendent quality, from the paintings of Mark Rothko to the music of the Tallis Scholars to Dale Chihuly’s glass and all of the natural world. I believe making art and appreciating the made world is an act of communion with God.
I love painting animals! I derive such joy from interacting with them and learn a lot about myself in the process. My paintings are about my awe of the created world, the joy of life, the majesty of spirit and and the mystery of the soul.
Several years ago I decided to put my cat to sleep because she had cancer. She was in the early stage and still active, but beginning to feel its effects. I chose to to end her life before she became seriously ill because I didn’t want to see her suffer, but I bore the weight of that decision heavily. I finally decided to speak to a very religious co-worker. His response to my concerns was that it didn’t matter because animals don’t have souls…
I was astounded. It’s been my goal ever since to open the eyes and hearts and minds of people like that poor misguided soul.
Whether or not I succeed in doing that I find my own peace and joy in my paintings and hope it resonates with others.“