Meet Denise ((bonaimo)) Sarram | Assemblage and Jewelry Artist/ Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise ((bonaimo)) Sarram and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise ((bonaimo)) Sarram, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Quite frankly, I think finding balance in life is often something we strive to make look easy, much like a tightrope walker in a three-ring circus, high above the crowd. We cannot do things with “the greatest of ease” 100% of the time, and there is pressure to create this illusion to the public, social media, family and friends.

This speaks to the important topic of mental health. I believe it is okay to “not be okay” sometimes. Adulting is hard. We have many responsibilities, people counting on us, jobs to perform, households to keep in order, loved ones to care for. It takes effort to juggle it all and find time and energy to practice restorative self-care.

The best thing we can do if we fall is to climb back up that ladder and get back on that tightrope. Hopefully with a bit more wisdom each time.

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.

Denise ((bonaimo)) Sarram was born into a travelling circus. Her parents were the Strong Man and the Bearded Lady. It was a warm and nurturing environment, and the entire sideshow troupe was one big family.

Denise was performing at the young age of 7 years old. By the time she was 15 she was in eight shows a week. Audiences around the country marveled to see her high above the big top tent, riding a unicycle on the tightrope, with the greatest of ease.
For the real story go to www.bonaimovisualart.com/bio

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 would definitely take them to Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. The color block flagstone patio houses historic buildings of over 40 art studios. Observe artists at work and feel free to ask questions. Some artists will even encourage you to handle and enjoy their work and many teach lessons. Art pieces large and small are available for purchase every day.

Studios are open to the general public, free of charge, 7 days a week from 11am to 4pm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
San Diego Visual Arts Network ( SDVAN) is a database of information produced to improve the clarity, accuracy and sophistication of discourse about San Diego’s artistic and cultural life and is dedicated to the idea that the Visual arts are a vital part of the health of our county. SDVAN provides a resource-rich website and facilitates countless opportunities for inspiration and collaboration on visual arts projects.

We believe in the transformational quality of the arts and its ability to wider our vision of the world around us. We hope to not only build the confidence of those involved in the arts, but disseminate information throughout San Diego thus raising the bar on the writing, production and appreciation of the visual arts in our region. This is the only site designed exclusively for Visual Arts in the San Diego region. SDVAN is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization, where all services are free and financed by donations from people like you who believe in our mission.
www.sdvan.net

Website: https://www.bonaimovisualart.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisesarram/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonaimovisualart/

Other: https://linktr.ee/BonaimoVisualArt

Image Credits
artwork phototography copyright bonaimo visual art 2022 portrait photography Barb Wiens