Bonnie O App

Throughout her working life, first as a teacher, then as a commercial graphic artist, Bonnie App’s free time was often spent creating art using a variety of mediums. Eventually she began a journey into botanical art and in 2017 became a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Workshops and classes by internationally recognized artists have helped sharpen her skills and expand her focus. As a natural extension of traditional botanical art, she began to create cyanotype photograms. Cyanotype, one of the oldest forms of photography dating back to 1842, is a process that makes use of all of the skills that she has learned along the way through her work as a graphic designer, a photographer, botanical artist, and as an observer of nature. As Bonnie’s interest in and research into botanical art and cyanotype art expanded, she has learned that documenting plants serves as a connection between art and science and, in fact, is firmly planted in each discipline. From 16th century botanical illustrations to the beginning of photography in the mid-19th century, these movements helped foster a recognition of the beauty and fragility of plant life, and, more so, what constitutes a healthy environment. The intricacies of plants and natural scenery is where her aesthetic resides. It is Bonnie’s hope that her art will connect with viewers in such a way that they, too, will become more aware of the natural environment and become inspired to support efforts to care for the environment.