Conversations with Boni Arendt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boni Arendt.

Hi Boni, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In 6th grade, I fell in love with Art after winning a contest to create the NC wildlife emblem. I was asked to do various art projects at my school, such as photographer for our yearbook. I studied Art Education at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I wanted to specialize in a medium, so I graduated with a BFA in painting and drawing. Impressionist and Italian Renaissance artists influenced me strongly, so my early work was mainly figurative. I have done many portraits, murals, and commissions over the years. I have shown work in various NC, TN, Georgia, and the United Kingdom galleries. I moved to England to be inspired and started to practice portraiture. Now, I teach with Parks and recreation programs and in my studio in Louisburg. I continue to look for inspiration in everyday beauty. People ask me to paint various subjects, and I am always up for the challenge. I create logos, paint murals, create concrete sculptures, and even paint on a motorcycle! But painting and drawing are my constant. I love to make people happy with my Art.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
I always had to work full time and never stopped painting. It was difficult to do both, but Art was something I had to do. In 1996 I sold what I owned and moved to England for inspiration. I wanted to travel and see foreign places. Now, I am fortunate enough to be able to focus on my Art and teaching. Getting into galleries and doing everything from creating and preparing the work to market and selling it is still challenging. It’s all worth it when you see how happy it makes people.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait artist and teacher. I love encouraging others and helping them achieve their goals. My portrait drawings are pretty popular. I left ECU influenced heavily by Italian Renaissance and impressionist artists, so my early work was mainly figurative oil paintings. It’s hard to say what I specialize in because I’m always looking for the next series to create. People ask me to paint many different things on different surfaces, and I’m always up for the challenge. For example, I have painted on motorcycles, created a concrete statue, created large murals in a church, etc.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
In 1996 I quit my mid-level management job, sold what I owned, and moved to England to be inspired and pursue Art. I wanted to build my resume. It was risky but worth it. Some people are uncomfortable taking risks, and I understand that, but I didn’t seem to have a choice.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.boniarendt.com
• Instagram: @boniarendt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoniArendtArt