ART & DESIGN
IN CONVERSATION WITH:
Bonnie Brown of Studio Bon.
We speak to Bonnie Brown of Studio Bon, multi-disciplinary NZ artist,
on where she seeks inspiration for her work, why she’s drawn to
the bold use of colour, how she would describe her personal style
and what form of art she most enjoys creating.
What does your morning routine look like?
Honestly after some unproductive weeks post holidays I’ve been trying to carve out a really solid morning routine to start my days off right. The last couple of weeks I’ve been running first thing, and I’ve found this hugely helps clear my mind for the day. I’m a sucker for a good coffee so I’ll often grab one before I get stuck into any work. I’ve also become a big Pilates and overnight oat girlie so my mornings are very wholesome currently, although I’m still trying to curb the desire to jump on social media first thing!
When did you start to take an interest in art? Was there one medium / discipline you started with?
I grew up in a really creative household, my mum was always painting, writing, drawing and encouraging my siblings and I to be creative too. It’s hard to pinpoint when I first took an interest in art but I can definitely pinpoint that I stopped creating art for myself when I was in architecture school. It wasn’t until I finished my degree that I fell right back into it again and haven’t stopped since. Drawing has always been my favourite medium, whether that’s with pen and ink, on a screen or using pastels.
Where do you seek inspiration for your art?
I find a lot of inspiration from fashion and design! I’ve always loved seeing how people express themselves through clothing and I definitely pull from pinterest or tiktok ootd for colour and style inspiration. Recently I’ve been down a rabbit hole of illustrations from children’s books like the works of Quentin Blake and Arnold Lobel. I love the fun and whimsy they were able to create.
We adore your freehand sketch-like style - do you prefer to work in this way or on your computer?
At the moment I’m falling back in love with freehand sketching. It’s a funny thing because I’ve been more known for my bright digital style and I guess I’ve been rebelling against that and leaning into creating work by hand again. I think artists' styles always continue to grow and evolve so I’m hoping I can strike a happy balance between the two at some point!
Where do you find energy outside of art?
Definitely from being outside. I spent my summer in Nelson and going to the beach everyday and for hikes up the hills really filled my cup. Working for myself I spend a lot of my time alone and getting out to a busy cafe or gallery and being surrounded by the hum of lots of people energise me too.
How would you describe your personal style?
Evolving! I’m drawn to colour and classic silhouettes. Working from home I dress fairly casually most of the time but love an excuse to get all dressed up. I’m also not very trend driven, I like to wear what feels good for me.
What is your favourite piece from our recent Resort 2023 collection?
I absolutely adore the Flore Midi dress (although at 5’3 it’s more of a maxi on me!), it feels like sunshine in a dress.
Are you working on any exciting new projects that you’d love to share with us?
I’ve been putting more time and energy into exploring and playing around with different mediums like linocutting which has sparked the idea for a new print series that I’m super excited about!
Find more of Bonnie’s incredible artworks and bold sense of style on her website and social platforms below —
studiobon.co.nz | @studio.bon
MUSE — Bonnie Brown
STYLED IN — Flore Midi Dress In Soleil Yellow
