Biography of Bonny Macnab
Bonny Macnab has been an artist all her life. Growing up on the west coast in Canada she found out in school that she excelled in art and all the variations of creativity it had to offer. After graduation she moved to Saskatchewan where the wide open space, close proximity to the beautiful boreal forest, and long winters provided the perfect opportunities to develop her skills.
Bonny sought out many artists she admired from all over North America and studied with them to develop her natural skill. She demonstrates a highly developed sense of color, distinct design and keen attention to the spirit of a piece of work as a whole.
She says, “I am so blessed to have this intimate relationship with the earth and people through my art. I get to be in the moment. Art is a prayer that inspires me daily and I am able to share it with the viewer.” She has been able to carry these techniques into dying silk and finds that the silk provides another dimension to her work through the transparency and movement of the fabric.
In 2021 Bonny received a Canada Council Research and Create Grant to research Western Canadian plants that print, through eco-printing. She has received two Saskatchewan Arts Board grants for research and creating. From this research her exhibition "Continuum" evolved. Bonny has had five solo exhibitions, been juried into many shows across North America and won numerous people’s choice awards. Her most recognized and awarded medium has been portraits in watercolor. In 2016, Bonny’s silks were juried into the Saskatchewan Craft Council, stating that her artwork is exquisite. Macnab's work is in many private residences around the world.
She also attends retreats throughout the year with other accomplished artists that provides shared inspiration and knowledge. Bonny hosts many classes and retreats to continue the shared learning and teaching. She has been involved in five Artist in School projects through the Saskatchewan Arts Board. It is a passion of hers to inspire others to find their art.
Mapleridge Gallery and studio is in the home where Bonny lives, and is toured regularly. It overlooks a coulee where you can see rolling hills for miles. Inspiration is everywhere.