Meet the Artist, Bonnie Pelnar
Bonnie has been drawn to water and its inhabitants since childhood. Growing up on Lake Michigan, she spent her early years surrounded by water, captivated by the way colors reflect from a blue sky and how the waves catch the sun’s rays. Her love for the ocean would go on to shape both her artistic vision and career.
From a young age, Bonnie’s artistic talent was apparent. She consistently received A+ grades in Art classes from Kindergarten onward, often taking assignments to a higher level. A bit defiant in her approach, she sought to express herself uniquely, never content to follow the crowd.
Bonnie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her studies, she explored various mediums, including serigraphy, pencil illustration, watercolor, photography, and graphic design. After college, she relocated to California and worked for 15 years in computer graphics, electronic prepress, and desktop publishing.
Eventually, Bonnie left her successful corporate career to start her own company, specializing in international marketing for ocean and marine-related clients. As a passionate scuba diver and underwater photographer, she uses her talent to not only capture the beauty of the ocean, but to raise awareness about the need for its protection. She teaches photography workshops worldwide, sharing her knowledge and love for the underwater world with others.
Her art is deeply influenced by the Fibonacci sequence, particularly the Golden Mean and Golden Spiral composition, which she incorporates into many of her creations. She describes it as having “inexplicable aesthetic appeal”. For the past five years, Bonnie has focused on glass art, developing unique fusing techniques, molds, and original designs that set her work apart.
Bonnie resides in Laguna Beach and continues to travel the world looking for new reefs to photograph, hiking trails to explore, and adventures to experience. When not traveling, she can be found in her studio, perfecting her glass art pieces or painting in watercolor.
What the Future Holds
Bonnie is currently working on completing a Master of Fine Arts Degree with plans to teach on a college level.
