Today we’d like to introduce you to Bambi Hanna Bleakney.
Hi Bambi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was not raised by wolves but it was pretty close. I was raised and dearly loved by truckers (yes, even my mother was a truck driver) that roamed all over the U.S. who had a fine passion for horses and ranching. This means I attended a new school every year until 5th grade and have owned nearly every animal one could possibly own. My parents recognized my love for art in kindergarten by finding my expressions drawn on the walls of our home. Thankfully, rather than getting into too much trouble, they appointed a new rule. With each home we moved into, they specified a single wall in my room that was all mine and I could paint, draw, and decorate it to my heart’s content. I had the pleasure of living on a 10,000 acre ranch which was where many of my fondest memories originated. We finally planted ourselves at Possum Kingdom Lake, from 5th through high school where I was part of a graduating class of 18 people. (Well, attending at the nearest town.) In my opinion, Possum Kingdom Lake (a hidden Texas gem) is one of the best places on earth. While not many people leave this small piece of paradise, I did.
I ventured off to the Art Institute of Dallas and later attended the Art Institute of Houston. I began studying Interior Design and later switched to Fashion Design. While I tinkered around with fashion, I have worked in the shadows of the Houston Interior Design industry for the last 16 years. I have cheerfully provided my talent to some of the most prestigious companies within the industry and learned to wear many hats so to speak.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working in the interior design industry may sound easy and glamorous to many people who are unfamiliar with the field but it is actually very hard work. Thankfully, colleagues within the industry become a tight-knit family due to facing challenges together while still making sure we’re having fun and making things beautiful! We all know we must laugh to stay strong.
Suddenly losing my mother in late 2017 was definitely a changing point in my life and career. It was more than I could bear and I was forced to find my faith again. Shortly thereafter, in 2019, I paused my career to care for my dad 24/7. Eventually escorting him to a nursing home was another one of the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Then Covid came along and he didn’t understand why he wasn’t getting any visitors even though I reminded him every day. He thought he did something wrong. I would drive 5 hours to stand outside his window for 20 minutes and talk to him over the phone. He passed away in early 2021 and again, I leaned into faith to move forward and I realized a pattern that I needed to embrace. Everything I crafted and painted was made with an outpour of love. Everything I wrote somehow turned into a love letter. Everything I made came from deep within. I’ve always wanted everyone that came across my work to feel happy and loved.
I recognized early on that the pandemic brought on a newfound mental state for many people. Many of those who were always happy and cheery were suddenly sad or depressed. Everyone seemed to be affected by Covid-19 with either losing a loved one, loving someone that became ill, or being isolated to quarantine from being infected themselves. The need became stronger to really reach out to friends and family to check on them to make sure they were feeling okay. I paint from a feeling of love with hopes that someone will connect. I hope that my artwork brings people together, whether it be online or in person. I hope my artwork makes someone happy without them even knowing why.
With regard to owning a company while being a mom, I have a LOT of faith. haha! I have a 15 year old daughter who is an amazing artist in her own right. You’ll also find me painting with a 7 month old baby boy on my hip. We roll with the tide on a daily basis; it’s the only way to roll. I keep a great calendar for meetings/work and the rest is all fun! My husband makes sure I don’t take anything too seriously. I have amazing support within my family as well as cheerleaders within the industry that do a great job of keeping me busy.
I can’t say it is at all easy but we go out of our way to make it fun!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an abstract painter and multi-media artist based in Houston, Texas. (ahem, will travel for art.) My inspiration comes from sparkles, daydreams, and hope. Working on custom orders for lovers of color and with To The Trade interior designers is my happy place. I am proud to have worked alongside the best in the business when it comes to luxury handmade furniture, custom-made draperies, custom hand-woven rugs, as well as luxury designer fabrics. This has given me a keen eye for color and texture. After working on such high end projects, I discovered my passion really is working with various mediums such as alcohol ink, acrylic, watercolor, and yarn. I am obsessed with trying something new, whether it be new mediums or new techniques. I am constantly in search of creating something that has never been created and love to collaborate in that way!
I have a specialty of reverse painting on glass. This ancient technique is accomplished by painting in backward order on the opposite side of the glass that the piece will be showcased. What can I say, I love a good challenge.
I am set apart from others because I love to collaborate within the entire scope of the design project to create the perfect, individualized custom piece of art. My efforts are to accomplish the client’s vision, not only my own. I am not an artist that has one specific style. I love, appreciate, and am capable of many forms of art and I must dabble with all of it!
What’s next?
I am excited to now have the space and capabilities to work with large scale (larger than 4’x5′) canvas paintings. This allows me to create custom size artwork which is a game-changer for me and really opens the door to creativity! I am also excited to announce an upcoming option on my website for gifts at www.finefineart.com. Having recently lost very close loved ones, I feel there are a few things lacking in the market that only love can fill. I will soon have an option for artwork as bereavement gifts as sometimes a card just won’t do. On the flip side, I found it impossible to preserve my wedding bouquet which is often times important for brides to keep. We should display one of our most cherished memories by preserving the wedding bouquet via custom artwork! We preserve the dress and get great photos of the bouquet but they are then tucked away out of sight and the colors in the actual bouquet fade away. Rather than displaying a dried out, dull bouquet that seems fit for Morticia Addams (no offense Morticia-love you!), a piece of art reflecting the bouquet can be presented in vivid color. This will help bring the beloved flowers out for display to forever remember and cherish the love from that day. In all, I look forward to bringing more love and color to Houston!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.finefineart.com
- Email: bambi@finefineart.com
Image Credits
Mia Rosales
