Meet Aimee Bonham | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aimee Bonham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aimee, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Frida Kahlo once said, “The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to.” This resonates deeply with me, as I discovered my love for art at a young age. When I entered college, I realized that becoming an artist was my true calling. After graduating and stepping into the real world, I faced numerous challenges, many of which were compounded by the responsibilities of motherhood. Despite these obstacles, I continued to create and paint because it was something I needed to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While studying art in college, I became intrigued by non-representational work. In my current practice, I explore the connection between my paintings on the wall and the viewer’s experience within the space. My work features large, curving forms that move through the compositions. In a few featured and solo shows, I extended these shapes onto the walls to create a more immersive experience. By doing so, I aimed to explore the profound significance of connections through a unique visual dialogue between the artworks.

Using tape as a unifying element, my pieces transcend their individual boundaries, extending their narratives onto the gallery walls. The tape acts as both a physical and conceptual link, symbolizing the intricate web of relationships between the artworks. As viewers move through the space, they are invited to witness the dynamic interplay between the paintings, each engaging in a silent conversation with its neighbors. This interconnectedness fosters a deeper understanding of the thematic threads woven throughout the exhibition, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the inherent interconnectedness of all things.

One exciting aspect of this work is the idea of interaction. I love the idea of play within the viewing experience. For example, when standing on two sets of footprints placed in the gallery, the taped lines align perfectly, offering a unique perspective and connection between the viewer and the art.

My featured shows have primarily been at the Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach, and I’ve also had a solo show at the She/They Gallery, which is part of the Santora Arts Building in Santa Ana.

As for my journey as an artist, it has certainly been challenging—especially as a mother and a woman balancing both roles. Raising three children, one of whom has special needs, required navigating complex school meetings and services. Keeping my foot in the art world while managing these responsibilities has been difficult at times. However, with the support of my family and the services available in California for parents of disabled individuals, I’ve been able to overcome many of these challenges. I’m deeply grateful for the support I’ve received, which has helped me continue to pursue my artistic career.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love when my friends come to visit me in Southern California! Depending on the time of year, I take them to different places to make the most of the season. We live in Dana Point, so if they visit in March, whale watching is a must! It’s the best time to catch some ocean activity. For friends visiting in the summer, I love spending time at the local beaches: Strands Beach, Salt Creek, and Doheny State Beach are my favorites.

As an artist, I always make sure to take my friends to see the art festivals in Laguna Beach. One of my personal favorites is the Pageant of the Masters, an outdoor production that runs for about 8 weeks during the summer. The Pageant combines music and theater to tell a story centered around the visual arts. Actors reenact famous paintings, while a narrator and live music explain the art. Just outside the Pageant, you’ll also find the Festival of the Arts, the Sawdust Festival, and Art-A-Faire—great spots to see a lot of art in a short amount of time.

If we’re in Laguna Beach, we’ll definitely visit the galleries, especially during the Art Walks on the first Thursday of each month. The galleries, particularly near the Laguna Art Museum (known as Gallery Row), are amazing. And of course, I always bring my friends to see my work at Sandstone Art Gallery.

For food, I love Urtth Café, and for a sweet treat, you can’t beat gelato from Gelato Paradiso or Dolce Gelato in Laguna Beach. I’m also a huge fan of Mediterranean food, so I’m always excited to grab a quick bite at Adonis.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of the progress I’ve made has been directly influenced by my husband’s unwavering encouragement and support. Having been married for almost 25 years, he has always pushed me to engage with the art community and step outside my comfort zone. As a musician and someone deeply involved with artistic people, he excels at collaboration and understands the importance of teamwork. He has consistently believed in my abilities, both as an artist and as an active member of the art communities I’m part of.

Website: https://www.aimeebonham.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimeebonhamart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artist.aimee.bonham/

Image Credits
Sara Stevens