Big Little Dreamshttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Big-Little-Dreams.jpg20482048The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Big-Little-Dreams.jpg
Seas Treeshttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seas-Trees.jpg18001437The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seas-Trees.jpg
Seas Trees
Seas Trees, 2022
Amy Lynn Bumpus Ink and Paper Collage
Coral Reefs create an ecosystem and sustain life for countless species of the sea. They create a living environment much like trees do for those of us who live on land. They are an integral part of the beauty of life in the ocean. Due to climate change, they are dying. The repercussions of that are hard to bear.
It is fascinating to me how evolution has given animals the ability to blend into their environment creating invisibility and a better chance to survive.
Jeff Brackhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Jeff-Brack-Filmmaker-e1668601817762.jpg1444902The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Jeff-Brack-Filmmaker-e1668601817762.jpg
The Tucson Gallery is Proud to Feature Local Artist Jeff Brack
Jeff’s Story
Where did you grow up? Small mining towns – born in Ajo, AZ. Lived in Morenci, AZ. Graduated High School in Silver City, NM. Have lived in Tucson for since 1993.
Tell us about your family Married to Julie Bonner and we share three kids. My mom’s family has long Arizona roots as my great grandmother came to Arizona via wagon. My dad’s family came to Arizona via Texas, North Dakota, and Colorado. Our love of our Grand Canyon state runs deep and we have a large extended family in this region…
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them No pets. But, three kids is plenty to feed and house train.
When did you know that you would be an artist? I was always an artist growing up. Drawing, painting, designing, building. However, I went to college to be an Engineer. It was three years in when I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker and writer instead. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a film degree, but also work as a Creative Director doing graphic design, video production, and marketing using the same visual and written communication skills.
What is your favorite media to work with? Film/Video/Motion Picture. But, also love writing and graphic design.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do? Or what do you do when you’re not doing your art? I love active living. I’m a triathlete and marathoner. I’ve competed in over 50 races including 5 Ironman races around the world and have qualified and competed in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. My wife and I love being out hiking, running, or riding. Cycling is my favorite. Most mornings you may get a glimpse of me running or riding around Tucson, enjoying our spectacular weather and desert environment!
Jeff’s Clothing line is Sold in the Gallery and Subject to Availability. Please Visit Us at the Gallery for More Information and to See These Comfy Tucson Originals in Person
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing. One of my Mom’s stories is that, when I was small, I had drawn a chicken and given the drawing to her. She asked me what I had traced it from. So, it seems, my form of expression even before I had real memory, has been pen to paper.
I don’t tend to be a verbal person…. though I do have lots to say. My preferred form of expression is visual so I speak with various tactile mediums to share my ideas.
My current preferred medium is paper. I use old National Geographic’s that I cut up to make my images. I chose National Geographic magazines because many of my pieces are about our environment, different cultures and current events; the magazine’s predominant themes. I also like the idea of my work using recycled materials.
Using cut paper to form an image, by its nature, creates layers. The layers bring the viewer closer to the image to better see all of the deeper messages I have included. Paper helps me to get my idea across; helps me say what I want to say and, at the same time, leaves the viewer to relate to the piece in their own way. If there is any question or curiosity as to what the message is, my titles leave no ambiguity and are as much a part of the piece as the image. They leave no doubt about my intent and are the exclamation mark so to speak...
My creative process manifests from an interest in our place in Earth’s evolution. We are in a time of extreme change from the climate crisis to acknowledgement of racial disparity, political movements and global responsibility; all issues that will determine life going forward. My current work speaks to naming issues but also calls for solutions. Though we have undoubtedly had the deepest influence on our planet, we are part of the Earth’s process, not separate from it. The questions I seek answers to are what do we want our role to be and how do we want to affect the story?
I create my images by drawing with paper. I keep my work graphic and simple with a straightforward message.
Amy Lynn Bumpus
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up? Lewisville, Texas (outside of Dallas)
Tell us about your family I have been married for 7 years to my husband Ben Blankenburg. I met Ben when we were both living in Breckenridge, Colorado over 20 years ago. We lived different lives until we reconnected 9 years ago. We lived various places, together, until we landed in Tucson and decided to stay.
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them no pets (yet)
When did you know that you would be an artist? I have been an artist for as long as I can remember.
What is your favorite media to work with? Currently my medium is cut paper. Basically, I draw with paper. I cut up old National Geographic magazines and create original images with a predominant theme being the environment and human nature.
I was born in Oklahoma City, where I lived until age 6. I remember very little about OKC, but the things that stand out are my babysitter, our above-ground pool, and one very specific snow cone stand. My father was in the Air Force, and we got stationed to Germany, where we lived in a tiny farming town near the border of The Netherlands from age 6-12.
Our town was called Schalbruch, and it was pure magic. Filled with beautiful brick homes, flower planters hanging from every window, wheat fields, cows, and the unforgettable smell of manure, it was a place my friends and I could roam and explore freely. I still have dreams about it to this day! From there we moved here to Tucson, where I’ve lived ever since. I went to Tucson High and spent a lot of time downtown as a teenager, which had a huge impact on the development of my creative expression...
Tell us about your family
My dad is from south Texas, and my mother is from northern Michigan. They met when my father was stationed in northern Michigan when he first joined the military. They could not be more opposite people, so they went ahead and had a Gemini daughter who most definitely feels the polarization of being raised by them! My father now lives in New Mexico with my stepmother and is the most hard-working and high-integrity person I know, and my kind and loving mother is my very best friend. I get my artistic genes from her, and grew up being creative with her and my grandmother (her mother), who also enjoyed making art.
I have an older sister, whom I have looked up to my whole life. She’s older than me by 13 years, so we have never experienced sibling rivalry of any kind. She was the coolest older sister and my absolute hero growing up, and still is to this day.
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them.
I have one dog, and her name is Lucy. She’s a mix of Australian Cattle Dog, Chihuahua, and Parson Russell Terrier. She’s got one perky ear and one floppy ear, and she’s white with orange patches. She was a rescue, and when we saw her at PACC we made eye contact and the connection was instant. She’s a quirky little thing! She’s super loving, yet independent. She’s very mellow but also high-strung. I always joke that she’s a Gemini like me. We’ve taught her that the signal for going on a walk is dancing, so all we have to do is start a little jig and she gets all excited.
We had a dog when I was a small child, but other than that Lucy is my very first pet.
My husband and I love her so much! We’ve had her since March 2021, and she’s brought so much warmth and joy to our home.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
I can’t recall a time that I didn’t know I’d be an artist. I think my abilities were recognized at a young age by my parents and teachers, so it was always supported and encouraged. I can’t say I ever really had a clear vision of what being an artist would look like, I just always knew I’d be doing something creative in life. The most exciting moment for me though, and one that I believe was pivotal in the way I perceived myself as an artist, was in 4th grade when I began drawing my friends on the school bus during our morning ride. I discovered I was able to create a likeness of them, which was super exciting for me and busted my creative mind wide open. I realized I had the ability to make things look the way I saw them and make them recognizable, and it solidified in my kid brain that I was in fact an artist and would continue to pursue it forever, though at that age it was more of a feeling than a conscious thought.
What is your favorite media to work with?
I love working with acrylic paint the most. I like that it has a quicker dry time and can be built upon easily, that it is forgiving, and the textures it creates. I feel the strongest sensory connection to working with acrylic paint, which makes the process a very visceral experience. As a result I can get lost in the painting process more effortlessly, and the work always benefits from this sense of harmony.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do (Tom’s way of asking)? Or, what do you do when you’re not doing your art?
When I’m not making art I am probably thrifting or antiquing with my husband. It’s one of our favorite things to do together! I absolutely love second-hand and vintage fashion, and I get a ton of joy out of adding to my collections of clothing & accessories. I’m always thinking of new and interesting ways to dress creatively. I’m in painting clothes most of the time, so sometimes I’ll get dressed up just to go to the grocery store. Any chance I get, I’ll take! I also enjoy looking at art other people have created, from gallery works, to hand-made jewelry, to driving around and finding things people have painted on their houses. I find inspiration everywhere! And finally, I love listening to and discovering new music, reading, dancing, singing (and practicing my singing impressions!), watching movies, learning about any and everything that I happen to be curious about, and finding ways to harness peace and serenity.
Community Mural Painting – Ignacio Garcia | Relaxing Art
Banner Medical Mural Series: Ignacio Garcia, Fourth Avenue
Photos
Ignacio’s Story
Muralist/Public Artist and 2022 Arizona Artist Leader of the year from the Arizona Capital Times Ignacio Garcia is well known throughout Arizona and throughout the west coast for his 3D chalk art, Large photo-realistic murals like the Empowered Woman in Downtown Tucson and also often plays on whimsical, playful pop art ideas and blending his street art and abstract contributing of the Sonoran lifestyle.
Garcia’s artistic studies graduate of East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Arizona as well as the Gnomon Workshop in Hollywood, California. Ignacio offers innovation and unique point of view, a fundamental motivation to his work is to challenge the viewers audience and curiosity. Ignacios craft thrives on the emotional and physical reaction of his works. The research, reflection, and exploration of a topic that precede a finished piece of work are meant to invoke authentic, unpredictable, and organic responses from each member of the audience. Connect with the artist on Instagram @ignacio_garcia_art for purchase inquires contact email artebyignacio@gmail.com
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
Benson, AZ
Tell us about your family
I have an adorable son, Valente, who is 12. He is my everything. I have a close Hispanic family who mean the world to me. My mother, raised me on her own and taught me the value of family and taught me that working hard is the key to overcoming all obstacles. My upbringing in Benson, gave me a sense of community and independence. I was given the freedom to explore who I am and discover my artistic roots. I am grateful every day for where I come from!
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them
My girlfriend and I adopted the cutest Carin Terrier 2+ years ago from a local rescue. She came from the Mexican side of Nogales, MX. We named her Pilar Garcia. She is a character who cracks us up on a daily basis. She loves people! Everyone who meets her is left with a loving impression of her!
When did you know that you would be an artist?
I knew at a young age I wanted to be an artist (it came and went in waves). I always knew then I could draw. Since then, art has been the part of my life that makes the most sense to me.
What is your favorite media to work with?
Graphic design is my favorite because that medium branches out into all others for me.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do (Tom’s way of asking)? Or, what do you do when you’re not doing your art?
I was a radio DJ in my 20s. I LOVE music. I have a collection of tapes, records, and mixtapes. I also just got myself a DJ turn table. I am having a ton of fun putting new sounds together and gathering classic sound systems from past eras.
Starlight – A Short Film in Collaboration with Panasonic
Sean’s Story
My name is Sean Parker and I’m a professional photographer / time-lapse cinematographer based in Tucson, Arizona. I hold a strong passion for capturing the beauty in our universe so I specialize in all types of photography. But what I’m most passionate about and internationally renowned for is my landscape & astrophotography work. I’ve been featured in many publications, commercials, and projects with companies such as: Smithsonian, Discovery, LG, Samsung, Annapurna Films, New York Times, Arizona Highways, and more! I’ve always had an artistic side. Growing up I used to play music and take cell-phone photos of the places I visited, but It was only until 2011 when I found my niche for the art of photography.
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in the desert on the colorado river called Parker, AZ. I spent my younger years living the desert life (boating, skiing, motorcycle riding, skateboarding, etc.) At age 13 I moved to Prescott where I attended middle school, highschool, and some college. Most of my days were spent playing video games, skateboarding, sports, and playing music (bass guitar) with friends! I moved to Tucson in 2009 and so grateful I did!
Tell us about your family
I have a large, loving, and supportive family. My father still lives in Prescott but a lot of my aunts, uncles, and cousins live in Laguna Niguel and the rest are spread out in, LA, San Diego and San Francisco. I lost my mom in 2016 who was very close to me and where I got a lot of my travel characteristics from. She was also a big supporter and admirer of my photography!…
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them.
I have a cute little kitty named IZZY. Short of Isabelle. She got her name when I accidentally picked her from the litter instead of the male I originally came to adopt. I got home and was like wait “Is-he (Izzy) a girl?” Pretty funny and so is she. 😀
When did you know that you would be an artist?
Oh, this is a tough question. I think when I mutually agreed to leave my desk job in 2013 after long nights of practicing my astro-photography. I was starting to get recognized and published for my astral photography pretty quickly and thats when decided I wanted to pursue a life of adventure, photography, and filmmaking.
What is your favorite media to work with?
I love television and films. Creating jaw-dropping timelapses and photos are my passion right next to directing. There is nothing quite like immersing yourself in nature and creating something beautiful that you can share with the world!
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do? Or what do you do when you’re not doing your art?
I actually do a lot. Growing up I was always into video games. I played a lot and still do and like to think I’m pretty good at it. It’s challenging when playing against other players and keeps my decision making tack sharp. In addition to that, I do a lot of hiking, traveling, and netflix binge watching. I love going to concerts and friend gatherings. I guess you can say I’m a balanced mix of being an extrovert and introvert at the same time haha.
The Tucson Gallery is Proud to Feature Local Artist Julie Bonner.
Media
Meet The Artist with Julie Bonner
Julie’s Story
Julie Bonner is a creative entrepreneur and has made Arizona her home for the past 20 years. Born in Binghamton, New York, Julie was an artistic child. She drew on any paper within reach and crafted handmade greeting cards for every occasion. Her middle school still proudly displays a mural Julie painted as a student. She earned her first freelance logo project from a local pizza shop in high school. After earning her degree in Graphic Design from Drexel University and a Master’s in Business, Julie opened up her own creative studio, Julie Originals.…
Blending her fine art paintings with her commercial design expertise, she created the Addy Award-winning Desert Dwellers Flash Cards. Inspired by a desire to teach her son about Southwest wildlife, each card contains amusing stories about desert animals from A to Z and features Julie’s acrylic paintings. Local teachers, parents, and grandparents use them to promote literacy and teach children about their environment.
Julie’s favorite medium is using acrylics on canvas. Over the past years, she’s created a series of desert sunsets, landscapes, and animals featured in galleries, calendars, and cards in local retailers. You may have met her at the Made in Tucson Market, Tucson Festival of Books, or other local artist events.
Julie was awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for significantly impacting the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements, and personal qualities inspiring others to excel.
She’s an organizer for Creative Mornings/Tucson and is active in Startup Tucson and Local First Arizona. She serves as an adjunct instructor for Pima Community College and on their Digital Media Advisory Board.
Julie Bonner
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up? The gray, cloudy and cold area of Endicott, New York. Opposite our sunny home here in Tucson! I’ve been delighted to call Tucson my home for the past 20 years.
Tell us about your family I’m an only child. My parents, Jane and Ray, were teachers in New York and were supportive of my creative endeavors. Supplying me with crayons and paper and putting up with my theatrical living room dance shows. All three of us played tennis which I’ve stuck with my entire life. I played for Drexel University and connected with Tucson’s tennis community when I moved here. Tennis eventually led me to meet my husband, Jeff, over at Reffkin (Randolph) Tennis Center. We wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for our continued passion for the sport. Today we have a family of 5, with a few kids playing tennis too!
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them I’m an animal lover with allergies. So none right now 🙂 I do love seeing my friend’s pet pics on social, and a lot of my art is of our local wildlife.
When did you know that you would be an artist? I started telling my parents I wanted to be an artist around 3. I drew on EVERY piece of paper in the house – including some important ones that were left out!
What is your favorite media to work with? For the past 10 years, it’s been acrylic paint. In high school and college, I worked more with oils. Having my son, Syver, prompted the switch to a faster-drying medium…since I got back into painting more while he was napping!
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do? Or what do you do when you’re not doing your art? Spending time with my husband and our three kids. We love playing tennis, riding, and hiking in Tucson. We’re also proud of our new vacation rental that features my art, Bikehaven.
