Kaleidoscope

Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, talented mixed media artist Jo Bonomini illustrates her experiences with stunning vibrant artworks, from traditional landscape paintings to bright abstract pieces. We interviewed Jo to learn more about her life and her work.

Why do you create?

I create because it offers me an escape, a way to bring colour, joy and a sense of freedom into my world. In a society dominated by screens and endless distractions, art allows me to step away and engage with something tactile, something real. It gives me a chance to slow down, reflect and find beauty in the details of life that often go unnoticed.




Art is also my way of navigating and understanding my own mental health struggles. It's a deeply personal process which allows me to make sense of complexities and challenges I have faced, allowing me to express emotions that words alone can not capture. Through this exploration, I have found a sense of peace and understanding and I believe others can too.




Art creates a space where people can engage on a more meaningful level, and I hope that through my creations others feel inspired to reflect and explore their own emotions and even to create something themselves. There is something uniquely powerful about how art can communicate and evoke emotions that transcends other languages and is my way of reaching out and making an impact on the world.

Ultimately for me, creating is about finding light and dark both for myself and the viewer. It is about bringing more colour into a world that can sometimes feel heavy and grey. Offering a moment of joy, reflection and inspiration to those who encounter it.

How and where do you work?

I create in the evenings and on weekends, my creative time is limited around a full-time job, child care and life admin. It's a constant juggle!

My studio is the third bedroom, a small but functional space. One of the biggest advantages of being in the house is having heating in the winter, which is something I know certain creative spaces can lack, and the convenience of being at home means I can fit in short bursts of creativity around other activities such when I'm waiting for dinner to cook, or my daughter is taking time settling down for bed. I have learned that if I waited for the perfect moment to create I'd never make anything.




The little space I have, just a few square meters, allows me to stay consistently creative and there's rarely a day that goes by that I don't spend time creating, even if it is just for ten minutes. Of course, the downside to a home studio is that paint has managed to escape all over the house, but I'd take that over not having a space to work in!

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from my personal life and experiences, and that’s what makes my work feel so connected to me. Each piece, whether it's a landscape, an abstract, or one of my darker-themed collages, reflects different parts of my life journey.

When it comes to landscapes, they hold a particular sentimentality for me. I often find myself drawing inspiration from the places where I grew up, especially my hometown of Malvern. As a child, I spent so much time playing and exploring those landscapes, and now I get to do the same with my own child. There’s a deep sense of nostalgia there, but also a feeling of continuity — passing down these same experiences and creating new memories in these familiar places.




Another heavy influence for my landscape work is The Lake District, which has become my personal retreat, a place where I go to escape the stresses of life. There’s something about putting on my hiking boots, packing a bag, and disappearing into the wilderness that really grounds me. I love the sense of freedom and solitude I find there, especially since I often don’t get enough time for those kinds of adventures these days. When I do have the chance, I always photograph the beauty and bring it back to the studio with me. Those photographs are the starting point for many of my landscapes.

My collage work explores something deeper, often darker. I’m fascinated by symbolism in art, and my collage pieces are a way for me to process and understand my mental health. They allow me to confront things that might otherwise be difficult to express. I like embedding hidden meanings and symbols into these works, leaving clues that can be interpreted in different ways. It’s always interesting to hear how other people connect with them, because they often see things that I didn’t consciously intend, which brings a whole new layer of understanding to the piece.




As for my abstract works, they’re really a form of play for me. They’re joyful, spontaneous, and a way to explore colour and paint in a very free, unrestricted way. I love the process of experimenting with different techniques — sometimes the results surprise me, and I learn something new. Over time, this playful approach has influenced my other work, particularly my landscapes. My use of colour has become increasingly bold and saturated as a result of the techniques I’ve developed through abstract work. It’s allowed me to create landscapes that don’t just represent a place, but evoke the emotions and memories tied to those places, often in a very vibrant, expressive way.

What influences your work?

My work is influenced by a strong desire for personal growth rather than external competition. I’m driven by the challenge of becoming a better painter, constantly experimenting with new techniques. When I got back into creating, I found inspiration in time-lapse videos and short process reels on Instagram, which gave me fresh ideas. Connecting with the local creative community has also been a big influence, allowing me connect and bounce ideas with other artists in ways you cannot do through a screen.

As a creative, I soak in little details and transform them into something new, adding my personal twist. Like in music, fashion, or literature, I believe nothing is entirely new — it’s all about creating fresh interpretations of familiar ideas.

Where do you sell your art?

Prior to my recent solo exhibition, I hadn't been actively selling my work, aside from a few direct enquiries. My focus has primarily been on building up my collection and refining my artistic style. Now, I'm actively seeking physical outlets to showcase and sell my work.




I’m currently updating my website, jobonominiart.co.uk, to include an online shop where customers can purchase my pieces. Additionally, I’m exploring merchandise and homeware options, along with offering fine art prints.

I also occasionally run online studio sales for both prints and originals through my Instagram account (@jobonominiart), so I encourage people to keep an eye on it for new offerings. I'm excited about the direction my work is taking and the opportunities ahead!

How do you promote yourself and your work?

Promoting myself and my work has required a lot of effort, especially since self-promotion can be challenging for those of us who aren’t naturally extroverted. I primarily use social media, which, while not without its difficulties, is an invaluable free tool for artists.




I’ve experimented with various types of content, including trending reels, process videos, and behind-the-scenes posts. Although social media algorithms can be tough to navigate, I've found that building genuine connections is more important than sheer follower numbers. It's true that content views and followings are down for many, but I believe that having a smaller, engaged audience can lead to more meaningful interactions. Quality over quantity really matters — those tangible connections can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambitions revolve around fully committing to my passion for art and making it my primary focus, rather than just a side endeavour. I want to create a sustainable career in the creative industry that not only fulfils me personally, but also supports my family.

I genuinely enjoyed showcasing my work during my last solo exhibition, and I'm excited to begin planning my second one. The process took about three to four years to come together, but I've gained a better understanding of what’s involved. This time, I'm aiming for an exhibition that’s bigger, better, and brighter. I’m also looking to expand my reach and impact within the art community, hopefully exploring new opportunities along the way.

Do you have any advice for other artists?

My advice for other artists is simple: keep going, keep making, and keep creating! Your work has the power to make the world a better place, so never underestimate its impact. Don’t be swayed by what influencers say about needing a specific 'style.' Instead, focus on the journey — experiment and explore. As Pablo Picasso famously said, "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

Art and creativity are true superpowers, so embrace them and show the world what you can do. Stay inspired and remember that every piece you create contributes to your growth as an artist, and do not compare yourself and your journey to others! It never ends well.


Thank you for answering our questions, Jo. You can see more of Jo Bonomini's stunning artwork on her website, or by following her latest updates on Instagram.