Art in Bloom

"Art in Bloom" is this month; I was lucky to be one of 24 artists selected by juror Michael Sherrill to pair with floral designers, who interpret each art work; the art work will be in the Gallery at Flat Rock until June 11. It's an honor to be a part of this exhibit in a beautifully elegant space. Deedie Springer of Springvine Design will be the floral designer for my painting "New Beginnings" from the Songs of the Earth series.

"Songs of the Earth: New Beginnings", Bonnie Joy Bardos, 48" x 60"

Silver Ribbons of a New Year, New Art

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room,
drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.
Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through
the rooms of our lives. . . not looking for flaws, but for potential."
~ Ellen Goodman

Here it is, another new year on silver ribbons of fresh beginnings. Even in early January, to celebrate new beginnings, I walk outside on a chill winter afternoon with River dog to gather forsythia and sweet almond branches to bring inside, to force into early bloom. This is my yearly ritual. Just having those winter branches in the house signifies the sweetness of life waiting to burst into color.

This year, I intend to walk through my rooms, both literal and symbolic: through the weathered plastered walls that crack and bear coats of paint along with wallpaper of yesteryear. Like me, those rooms have continued to stand, despite the passing of days, months, years. They're beautiful, reminiscent of vintage Italian or French estates worn by time and life. I go on, turning a new page, another brush, another painting idea. This year, I'll work even more on my latest series "Songs of the Earth". These sing to me these days, an ode to joy, turning toward home.