Family roots from Wisconsin, Nebraska, Scotland, and Germany so often are inspiration as I share the binding of my family together through childhood games, mud pies baked on orange crates in the backwoods, water and land fowl in their migration, old barns built with the hands of my forefathers from pine planks atop field stones gathered as they cleared the land and farmers of the Sand Hills, in their bib overalls, secure in their low gear lives.
Study with nationally and interationally known artists furthers my scope of knowledge. Belonging to local and national art organizations and the Sarpy Couty Chamber of Commerce helps me contribute to Nebraska Communities and art in the United States as a woman, business owner, and mother. Winning numerous awards for my work on the local, state, and national levels has encouraged me to continue, knowing my work has content. Recognition as a first place winner of Nebraska Mothers Association, second place for the National Mothers Incorporation 2002 show, second place winner for poetry entered into the National Poetry Society, gaining entry into Who's Who in Executive and Professional Women, and knowing my art is included in many corporate and private collections shows me it has meaning and purpose.
Bonnie E. Rodgers
I earned my Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Magna Cum Laude, and my Master of Fine Art from Rochville University. Several life changing occurrences caused me to take stock of my priorities. The focus became what I wanted to pass on as my heritage.
The use of different media and techniques expands my knowledge of color, texture, and design, which leads me to fulfill my dream of becoming the most accomplished artist that I can be... "I am a work of art in progress, waiting to be inspired and completed by nature and life itself." Sketching and journaling helps me to incorporate more meaning by finding something extraordinary within the ordinary context of my life. Pleine Air painting keeps me connected to the land, life, and nature. No matter where I am I find captivating subject matter and I take a part of it away with me -- within my soul. Thoughts and emotions, dreams, a line from a story or poem, a part of a conversation, something strikes me as I observe situations, society, or images all become art subjects.
