We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicolette Maguire Bonnstetter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicolette, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

You know, I was THE BEST FAIRY drawer in elementary school! Yup! I had a line at my desk. Now I’m not bragging, but I am telling you, that art has been part of me since I was small.

I grew up, and taught Art History and Art Methods to undergraduates and looking at the amazing women artists that I used in my research and teaching.  It is easy to see that all artists reach for what is personal in their work. I used to advise my students to find someone else to date, if the person they were with could not go to an art gallery and discuss what they saw. They always laughed when I told my philosophy, but I think it is worth considering. Art is an expression of our culture and a recording of thoughts and lives. I truly believe art can change lives! If I can help someone see art as a conduit for their own life, creating or understanding themselves or others, I’ve accomplished something. If you can’t discuss ideas and look at art that is full of ideas…well.

My art draws on what I know. The work to me, is abstracted, it’s color on a black space, like a quilt, a quilt of a life. I’m just painting and stitching my life on canvas one stroke at a time. I hope someone will stop, think and consider as they look at my work. Will it change their life? or make them consider something? I hope so..

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been very lucky being juried into exhibits and selling my work. This is the bane of most artists, selling and exhibiting. I’ve found that selling on line has been a great advantage. As I have aged, traveling is not as exciting, so this has filled that area for me.

I have been given the task to sell several artist’s life work, which has been very hard. To hold someone’s trust with the art they have created is weighty. I have found that these collections have been wonderful gifts to nonprofits who are so deserving and grateful.

So my art and my focus has changed, but I think it has been a worthwhile adjust for myself and the artist’s I represent in selling their work.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Teaching Art History and Woman in Art and Society I found that woman artists do not meet and talk about their work. Male artists have met, debated and tussled with their art for years. Having this group to speak and share with has been a great opportunity and is helping my personal art journey.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The book I have on my desk since 1986 is “Art and Soul” by Audrey Flack. It has been a great resource for me. I would highly recommend.

Contact Info:

• Website: nicsart.com
• Instagram: nicolettebonnstetter
• Facebook: nics art

Image Credits
nicolette maguire bonnstetter