Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Bohne-Linnard.
Hi Cassandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My artist name is Cassandra Bohne-L. I am a native Houstonian and have been painting oils & acrylics for over 20 years. After retiring from the corporate world about 6 years ago I dedicated myself to my young family and focused on my artistic endeavors. After creating “Freedom” an abstract oil painting of a blue butterfly, I was captivated by the natural beauty of butterflies and inspired to create art using real, preserved butterflies. I created many different art pieces using butterflies but kept striving to be different and unique. When the clocks were born, I felt that this was my calling and I knew that they were incredibly special and new to the world of art and the world in general. The clocks were a huge success when I introduced them and because of their popularity and uniqueness, I obtained a patent on them so no one else can make them. My line of clocks are now sold in high end retailers, art galleries throughout Houston and Texas and at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This fall I am scheduled to have my first solo exhibition showcasing a collection of my clocks and some of my original paintings as well.
I strive to bring the butterflies to life in my timepieces. In a sense, I resurrect as they are preserved forever. The butterflies I use are sustainably sourced from all over the world selected for their original unadulterated natural colors and beauty. I am very passionate about what I do and grateful for all the support I have.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any artist will tell you the road is never really smooth! 🙂 For me, it has been a little bit of both. Coming up with something brand new using real butterflies was the biggest challenge for me, but I had to be different, had to make something that no one else had. The idea of a clock made with real butterflies was probably the most difficult task, trying to make something incredibly unique and novel usually is difficult. Once the clocks were actually made and introduced I would say that things became smoother and easier as most people who saw the clocks appreciated and admired them. I am fortunate to have open-minded art aficionados out there who love my work and represent me (galleries and Houston Museum of Natural Science). Without them, I would be extremely limited in reach. They expose my clocks to a much greater audience than I ever could alone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist and am known for my clocks made with real preserved butterflies. My clocks are sold at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Bisong Art Gallery, Impulse Art Gallery, Chappell Jordan Clock Galleries, Carats Fine Jewelry and Gifts (McAllen), Good Art Company Art Gallery (Fredericksburg) and direct through my website www.bluebutterflydesigns.net. I have patent pending on my clocks so no one else can make them.
Here is my artist statement, it will give some more insight into how I feel about my work:
“Life – in all its beauty, fragility and ability to transform – has always been my inspiration. I began my artistic journey with oils and acrylics when I was 20 years old. It’s no wonder that as a painter I became enamored with butterflies and their miraculous, thought-provoking transformation. After painting a few butterfly pieces, I immediately turned my attention to the real thing and began preserving this wonder of nature in various art forms.
My butterfly clocks capture the timeless beauty of real butterflies, in their natural, unadulterated state. In a world where human activity and global warming and climate change threaten many butterfly species, I hope my clocks can preserve a record of this wonder of nature for future generations. By ensuring that I use only sustainably sourced butterflies I can also make my own small contribution to the survival of these species.
I strive to preserve the beauty of this delicate species and, in a sense, resurrect it through my art. My goal is to invoke a sense of life, resurrection and timelessness to all those who experience my art.”
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe that my work is incredibly unique, both functional and artistic – a working clock made with real preserved butterflies. I have brought something beautiful into this world and I am extremely proud of it. I have a crazy passion that can’t be overlooked and I feel this comes through to all who meet me! For all of my patrons, I believe my passion comes to life in the piece they acquire.
Pricing:
- $1500 – standard
- $4600 – extra large, limited edition
Contact Info:
- Email: cassandra@bluebutterflydesigns.net
- Website: www.bluebutterflydesigns.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrabohnel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandrabohnel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVvViYG1ZbVsI6cLVD98vQ
