Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy OHare.
Hi Cindy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been a collector of treasures I find in nature. I enjoy pressing leaves in books, drying flowers, and finding cool rocks on my walks outdoors. The first portrait I created was after a nature walk with my granddaughter, Bee. We had collected acorns, sticks, etc. to make collages and I ended up making a portrait using some of our finds. It looked like one of my sons, so I snapped a picture of it and sent it to him. Not long after that, I made my second portrait, as a tribute to my mother using flowers from her memorial. I created her portrait on a board on my table, and took a photo of it when completed. When I was ready to let the image go, I gently brushed it away. This form of temporary art became art therapy for me, during that difficult time. I created portraits of people, animals and seasonal themes. I began getting requests from family and friends to create portraits for special occasions and through word of mouth others too. I eventually decided to turn it into a business, Bee In The Bucket. (Bee, after my granddaughter, and Bucket, because it was always on my bucket list to own my own business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When creating my art, if I’m using fresh flowers there’s always timing involved. I have to have things planned out and placed before the flowers wilt. I also had to teach myself photography, because what I’m selling are the prints from my original work. I had to learn about lighting, angles etc. I had to do a lot of research on how to promote my art and all of the business side of things. It was a learning process for me the whole way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a self taught artist. I create temporary portraits of people, animals and seasonal themes using elements of nature. I take photos of my art and then edit them into prints and notecards. I feel like this form of art came into my life at just the right moment. It helped me to deal with grief and also find something that has brought me great joy. Now, when I’m on my walks, I look at nature in a whole new way.. I don’t just see a leaf or a flower, I see what could be someone’s smile, or eyes or hair and lots of possibilities.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I feel like I have accomplished a lot so far and I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I have an online store and sell my art in 6 local shops. I participate in some local events throughout the year. I just want to continue doing my art and hopefully it’s enjoyed by others too.
Contact Info:
- Website: beeinthebucket.com
- Instagram: @beeinthebucket
- Facebook: @beeinthebucket
