Other Creative Souls: Dallas' Bonny Leibowitz

The Deep 24x24 encaustic wax, monotype on kozo and photography

I have been following the artwork of Bonny Leibowitz for over a year now, and every time I see one of her ethereal pieces, my heart sings.  Check out her latest body of work at Rising Gallery's Grand Re-Opening tomorrow evening from 6:30 - 9.   

Here is Bonny's story.  

Describe your work in one sentence. 

I am interested in creating visually seductive works that speak to the organic quality of relationships both interpersonally and in nature utilizing a variety of materials and techniques including monotypes, photography and encaustic wax. 

What's your normal day like?

 I have two teaching studios, The Bonny Studio; teaching oil and acrylic painting and The Encaustic Center teaching painting with wax. I keep super busy assisting students with technique and concept, organizing classes, workshops and shows. I fit in as much creative “me” time as possible in-between my commitments here and ideally, that amount of time would be more abundant. 

What are your passions? 

Streaming Consciousness 30x30 photography,
monotype and encaustic wax

My passion is art, creating it, looking at it and learning all I can. I am constantly refining and evolving concept and technique. Through the process of creating, ideas emerge and I make every effort to push further especially when that means purchasing lots of new supplies; another passion. My recent work involves monotypes which I have done in several mediums but have recently purchased a “HOTbox” to create these with. This new piece of equipment allows for large works to be pulled on fabulous Japanese handmade papers.  In addition, I am working with photography, large images I incorporate into the work on a thin, fine paper which becomes somewhat transparent. In my latest body of work I’m exploring elements in nature; trees, fur, mountains and water, to name a few, taking on new shapes as they interact and procreate.

What are your goals? 

 I am most interested in seeing where the work will go visually and how far I can push the compositions and concepts to become more dynamic and alluring. I look forward to spending more time creating and hope to make new connections for the work to be seen.

Who are your creative influences?

I spend lots of time looking, finding qualities I feel an attachment to and then allow those influences to emerge in a natural manner without forcing the issue. I’ve always loved Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer and Judy Pfaff, to name a few. Lately I’ve been enjoying the compositions of Albert Oehlen.

Are there any other relevant experiences that shaped who you are today and what you do?

If I could think of times that have affected my work the most, they would be the challenging times, times of personal struggle where I allowed the emotions to emerge in the work taking particular shapes and colors; the consequence of those actions becoming an important turning point to build on.

What's your working style? 

Often times I find late night painting the best, no interruptions with time to create and think things through. I can work many hours straight through when all is right in my world.

What are your websites/social networking links?

www.bonnyleibowitz.com

bonny@bonnyleibowitz.com

www.thebonnystudio.com

www.theencausticcenter.com

http://facebook.com/bonny.leibowitz

RISING Gallery: A Work in Progress

I paid a little visit to the boys at Rising Gallery this week.  Rising has a special place in my heart, as it was the first gallery to show my personal artwork, back in 2008. Since then, they have established themselves as a major player in the Dallas Arts Scene. 

After moving from their initial location on Insurance Lane just off Knox and being housed in a temporary space on Jackson Street since the Spring, they are just weeks away from unveiling their gallery's permanent home. 


The cool part? Their permanent digs are directly below their current location.  This area is set to become the crown jewel uniting Southside on Lamar, Victory Park and Downtown.  Lots of eyes have been on them these past few months, and the watched pot is just about ready to boil.


I got to take a sneak peek at the (quite literal) work in progress at the gallery.

A speakeasy, moveable walls,  multi-media areas,  private event venue, cutting-edge LED lighting ...this gallery has left no detail  to chance.   They will be unveiling their new space in conjunction with the opening of the Galileo's Garden Exhibiton Friday 11/11, 6p-9:30p Denver based husband and wife artists Tyler & Monica Aiello  bring their conjoined solo shows collectively titled  “Galileo’s Garden”.   I've already marked my calendar. Now mark yours. Rising Gallery 800 Jackson (basement level)   .    Dallas, TX 75202                   214.559.4158    .    RISINGgallery.com              Gallery Hours Tuesday-Friday 10a-5:30p Saturday 11a-4p and by appointment