Meet Lea Hope Bonzer | Artist and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea Hope Bonzer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea Hope, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up in Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia, I wanted to be a soccer player and an astronaut. When I was ten years old, the war started. Like any other war, it has destroyed a country, and its economy, and the government became even more corrupt. Opportunities were slim. Unhappiness among people grew. Photography was my escape from reality. Finding something to look for. I start using a camera for fun in my teens. In my early twenties, when people start seeing what I create through photography I learned that I see things distinctly, photography start to transition from a hobby to my journey of becoming an artist. Photographing details in the surroundings by which most walk by without noticing is therapeutic to me. It helps me appreciate life on different levels.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Using a camera to escape reality guided me to pursue my dream of becoming an artist, showing the world beauty in small details, and motivation in simplicity. Becoming a mom, and people start noticing my portraits, I pivoted to become a portrait photographer. Even tho I love creating art with no people in the picture. I also truly love creating memories for people that choose me as their portrait photographer. It is amazing to see my client’s families throughout life. Being able to capture baby pictures and compare them to their senior portraits and be present to capture weddings of the same individuals; is a huge honor.  My favorite project so far is for a local dental office, where we incorporated their dinosaur team with my art. The space is created for children coming to an unpleasant office visit to walk into the land of dinosaurs. Each room is wrapped up from mural to ceiling tiles with individual teams. We have dinosaurs hiding in forests and among trees, where kids search for them throughout the room. We have them flying, even having a party at the beach. It’s incredible to get responses from their clients loving how enchanting the visit is.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
From Denver airport pick up I would show her around downtown Denver. The best way to experience Colorado would be through Golden and hiking Rocky Mountain NP traveling through Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte toward Telluride. On the way back, to catch the return flight, Great Sand Dunes NP is a must as well as Garden of the Gods. We would visit small-town local restaurants and breweries for the best food and relaxation from exploring.

Website: www.hopedecor-leahopebonzer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyleahopebonzer/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ʟᴇᴀʜᴏᴘᴇʙᴏɴᴢᴇʀ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hope_decor_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hope.decor.wall.decor

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/reverbylea