March, 2025 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Bonnie Larson
Army Veteran Bonnie Larson (1984–2005) is a multimedia artist based south of Tucson, Arizona, who uses glass, watercolor, and fiber arts to transform lived experience into powerful visual storytelling.
Her mixed media piece “But You Look Good” explores invisible wounds — including Military Sexual Trauma, wartime PTSD, and Trigeminal Neuralgia — while reflecting her journey toward healing and post-traumatic growth.
Bonnie credits art with improving her mental health and values CAVARTS as a space for connection, creativity, and combating isolation.
Name:
Bonnie Larson
Branch of service:
Army
Social Media Handles:
Larson.bonniej
About:
Bonnie Larson is an emerging multimedia artist. She works predominantly in glass and watercolor but also is well versed in fiber arts such as crochet, leather work, and quilting. Bonnie is an Army Veteran 1984-2005, who uses art to quiet the symptoms of Post traumatic Stress thus facilitating her Post Traumatic Growth. Bonnie resides south of Tucson, AZ. Glass in her work exemplifies the light in the darkness and the fluid nature of life. Just as one plans for a piece of Art, glass or watercolor will by its nature create surprises with unexpected but often pleasant accidents. She is learning with her art to flow with the challenges of life. Bonnie is currently experimenting with 3-dimensional art in glass both fused and 1 stained.
Title of piece:
But You Look Good
Medium of piece:
Mixed Media
Meaning behind piece:
“But You Look Good” is a multimedia mask collection inspired by the work of Luz Helena Thompson, Mask Making for Invisible Wounds. The composition consists of three masks mounted on an acrylic painted wood frame. Each of the masks represents a different aspect of the wounds one does not see by looking at another. Military Sexual Trauma with war time PTSD, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and their resulting life changing impacts resulting in Post Traumatic Growth through Art.
Mask one is constructed from a paper Mache under mask covered in modge podge pieces of uniform that span the length of Bonnie’s military career. Acrylic paint, assorted metal items, and subtle mirror use underscores the freeze response post trauma. The need to be hypervigilant continuing to function as an automaton without emotion. The clock represents being time blind. Progressing from corporal to sergeant first class while wearing the metal mask. Keeping all the secrets inside. The winds of war and change draw you to the next mask.
Mask two is constructed of a paper Mache under mask painted with acrylic mediums for texture. Cloth strips were used to create the fire, electric, and ice aspects of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia is a disease of the 5th cranial nerve. This is the nerve which controls the face. It is often described as the “Suicide disease” as it creates some of the worst pain known to man. The electric shocks travel along the nerve at intervals throughout the day and night. This results in extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety and constant fear of when the next shock will strike. The mask typifies the stinging and crawling sensations felt on the skin and the fiery migraine-like symptoms that also occur. Mirror use in the eyes underscores the medications used that cause disorientation and dizziness. Bees and thought tiles bring you to the next mask. Bees are the messengers between the world of the dead and the living.
Mask three is constructed of stained glass and mirror. It is surrounded by art, nature, and bees. Showcasing the journey Bonnie has taken toward health. She is no longer pushed to produce and please everyone. She has taken the totem of the hummingbird, which signals the end of difficult time and the beginning of healing and hope. The swirling vortex of the red flower symbolizes courage and strength. Just as in life there are multiple emotions and repetitive thoughts. This piece shows the lack of some of the glass tiles making solid connections tumbling away from the mask leaving negative space as when words fail and brain fog sets in. Life is still a struggle daily and She had learned to Struggle Well.
All three pieces have used mirror to allow an experiential aspect to the piece. Look into the eyes of the mask. Can you see yourself reflected in me?
Piece Photos:
What inspires you to create art?:
I have a need to bring awareness to my life experiences. Giving them form and a voice.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
My mental health has substantially improved.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
It is imperative to try new techniques and methods in order to continue learning and evolving.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
I go out to my work shop and just start getting my hands on whatever medium I am currently working on. Play is essential.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
This platform has allowed me to share with other artists. It really helps with combating isolation.
Our monthly theme for March is Rooted, but Bonnie submitted this in June, when our theme was Great Outdoors. Here’s what Bonnie had planned for the month:
I’m working on my nature inspired guitar strap
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Keep creating and go on artist dates
