Conch Shell (Strombidae) by Bonnie Cameron!

Did you know Conch shells are called sea cows in the shell world?

It is because they are herbivores that graze on algae and sea grass on the ocean floor. They primarily hang out in colonies and use their strong, horny, curved, operculum to push them in short, sudden spurts along the ocean floor.

As one of the largest univalve shells they grow up to 12" in length and can weigh up to 6 lbs.

Tinted in various, delicate shades of pink with graceful, lustrous curves make them exceedingly attractive to collectors.

Their flesh is a delicacy from the sea. You just might discover a treasured pearl while preparing one for dinner. New works -->

The Art of Pen and Ink - How Bonnie creates her incredible art

A most challenging medium for the artist. It is not very forgiving. Once the pen leaves its first impression on paper there is no turning back. It can’t be erased, painted over or deleted, which is a luxury artists working in many other mediums have.

Stippling is the primary, but not the only technique Bonnie chooses to use in the creation of her shell collection. The blending of pastels brings another dimension of depth and color to enhance the extreme detail in her inking.

Tens of thousands of individual micro dots are the architecture of her finished pieces. Sometimes they are seen individually, huddled together or layer upon layer simulating varying degrees of solidity or shading.

Bonnie’s symbolic trees have a “Wow Factor” about them that places them in a category of their own. Her unique use of symbolism provokes her audience beyond the mere visual experience of the edgy, masterful intricacy of her pen and ink work.