| MEMENTOS, OIL, 14 x 18. |
By Bonnie Gangelhoff
BORN: Sioux Falls, SD.
ART EDUCATION: “When I was 16, I began my four-year academic atelier training. I’ve also taken workshops with William Whitaker and John Michael Carter.
STYLE: Representational realism.
MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE WAY YOU WORK: “Often when I begin a painting I have a vague idea, a feeling that I want the piece to carry. I then arrange things with that in mind until my concept solidifies. I wouldn’t say this is a novel approach, but I do find the creative challenge from concept to actualization intriguing in itself.”
FIRST ART SALE: “In August 2006, I sold MORNING TEA for $3,600.”
OTHER PASSIONS: Photography and music.
MANTRA OR MOTTO: “Trust yourself—be bold!”
BIGGEST FEAR: “That I will stop learning and experimenting and become bored.”
FAVORITE STUDIO MUSIC: Billie Holiday, National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” and audio books. “I often listen to classic children’s books. I love escaping through a child’s viewpoint.”
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Let your art lead you,” from William Whitaker.
PET PEEVE: People chewing with their mouths open.
FAVORITE ARTWORK BY ANOTHER ARTIST: Antonio Mancini’s SALTIMBANCO AFTER THE PERFORMANCE. “I was fortunate to stumble upon an exhibition of his work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art last winter. I was completely awestruck.”
PRICE RANGE: $1,200 to $8,000.
NEXT BIG GOAL: “To attempt some larger, more involved paintings that I’ve been storing up in my mind.”
CREATIVE SPARK: Visiting museums.
GALLERIES: Gardner Colby Gallery, Naples, FL (beginning in October); www.annayoungers.com.
Featured in our annual “21 Under 31” article in September 2008