This month’s featured artist at the Wrightwood Arts Center, is the art organization’s own President, Bonnie Hanson, who creates show-stopping ceramic pieces that reflects not only decades of experience, but also a love of tradition and craftsmanship. Her awe-inspiring exhibit opens with a free community reception on Saturday, August 1st, at 5 p.m. at the Wrightwood Arts Center located at 6045 Park Dr in Wrightwood.
Bonnie first discovered her love of ceramics at just 15 years old while working as a ceramic sculptor for a small family business in Walnut, CA. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramics before taking what she calls a “38-year detour” where instead of pursuing pottery full time, Hanson spent her career teaching visual and performing arts in San Marino, inspiring generations of students. Now that she’s retired to Wrightwood, she’s back in the studio, creating the kind of work that first captured her imagination as a teenager.
“I can’t say that I truly understand it, but art has never been something I do,” Hanson said. “For me it’s a way of thinking and being. I have found that if I am being creative, I am content.”
That lifelong connection to creativity wasn’t something she inherited but rather something that blossomed while pursuing her own artistic endeavors.
“I did not grow up in a creative household, so I’m not sure where my interest in the arts originated,” she said. “But from as early as I can remember, I spent my days drawing, singing, playing piano, guitar or dancing.”
Teachers quickly recognized her artistic abilities and encouraged her to continue exploring the arts, setting her on a path that would eventually bring her back to ceramics.
Hanson describes her work in three words: organic, textural and functional which is prominent once you gaze upon her decadent handcrafted artwork. Using traditional hand-building techniques like coil, slab and pinch, she creates one-of-a-kind pieces designed to be used and enjoyed every day. A distinctive feature of her pottery is the impression of hand-crocheted lace made by her great-great-grandmother, giving each artwork a personal connection to her family’s history. Rich, layered glazes bring out the intricate textures, making every bowl, vase and vessel unique.
While Hanson enjoys the creative process, what means the most to her is knowing her work has found a loving home.
“I love seeing my art ‘in the wild,'” she said. “Just the other day I drove by a house on Oriole [in Wrightwood] and saw one of my garden hangers on the porch. I was so excited I circled back to take a photo. Knowing that something I made is special enough to be a part of someone’s home makes me very happy.”
When she’s not working in her studio, Hanson enjoys spending time with her grandson, exploring everything Wrightwood has to offer and traveling to watch one of her sons perform while on tour.
She’s also deeply involved in the local arts community and as President of the Wrightwood Arts Center for almost 3 years, Hanson volunteers her time teaching workshops and classes while also helping organize the center’s successful quarterly events.
Visitors can see Hanson’s ceramic collection on display throughout the month of August at the Wrightwood Arts Center located at 6045 Park Dr in Wrightwood. The Wrightwood Art Center’s regular hours of operation is Friday-Sunday, 12:00pm-5:00pm.
