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 Lin Bumgardner loves to dance the jitterbug, swing, Cajun, zydeco, Latin and ballroom style. She is uninhibited when it comes to the dance floor. And, now she feels liberated when staring at a blank canvas. She is free and unafraid to embrace a canvas that is 3 ' x 5' which used to seem a bit scary to this local artist that started out painting on much smaller canvases. She is currently working on a 3' x 5' painting that is in the vein of one that sold at last year's ever so popular, Mid City White Light Night. The colors are a blend of aquas and oranges. The bold vivid colors Lin uses not only make her feel inspired but many people are drawn to her paintings that have the bold splashes of color or at least a touch of color here and there. I know I was captured by one of Lin's abstracts. I noticed a large canvas hanging at the Funky Palette (upstairs at Circa 1857) one day after art class. There was a large swoosh of a blue that made me think of the ocean or something cool. I couldn't stop staring at this painting. I looked at the tag and discovered it was one of Lin's. The painting is entitled Heat Wave and it still makes me feel good when I see it. Lin's love of color began while studying Interior Design. She found it fascinating to see how colors mixed, contrasted and all the variables associated with color.
 Born in Buffalo, New York, Lin migrated south in her early twenties. First, she lived in North Carolina and then came to Louisiana. She is still here. Her love of the local cuisine, diverse music, and friendly people as well as her job as a state licensed Registered Interior Designer at Stoma's Furniture are all things she cherishes and keeps her feet firmly planted in the Pelican State. She has been with Stoma's nine years and still loves being surrounded by the colors, fabrics, and beautiful furniture. Her profession keeps her challenged to create aesthetically pleasing rooms and it motivates her to paint.
Lin keeps me motivated to paint as well. Each Wednesday, we take art classes from Marita Gentry at the Funky Palette and it's always neat to see the direction she is heading in terms of her color palette and subject. It's fun to see the end product because we always end up with two very different perspectives -which should be the case -when painting from one's own energy and spirit. Her energy towards any project is one of focus and excellence. So, when did she get hooked on painting as well as the use of acrylics?
The excitement of painting took hold of Lin in 2007. While working with a client on her home, this client encouraged her take an abstract class. So, she did. At this point in time, Lin was very traditional in her outlook on art. Leigh Ann Maddox, owner of Funky Palette and local artist, was the client that motivated her to try abstract art. "She gave me the best gift I could ask for and she is also a great friend, shares Lin, and I have not stopped painting since!"
Though Lin has dabbled in oils, pastels, watercolor and charcoal, acrylic is her love. The drying time is quick and it is easy to clean up. Feeling the release of emotions and energy flow out of her hands is how Lin describes her addiction -and a healthy one at that---when it comes to exploring the canvas.
She has learned to flow with the direction the painting takes because it is very accurate to say a painting seems to take on a life of it's own. Rather than hinder it, she allows it to lead her.
Currently, her work may be seen at The Funky Palette, Salon Dolce at 705 St. Joseph Street and Wealth Planners offices. Recently, she was part of the Changing Seasons art show at Salon Dolce and will showcase at White Light Night on November 21st at Funky Palette.
Though Leigh Ann gave her the jumpstart to dive back into painting, she attributes her fearlessness to her parents. They always told her she could do whatever she wanted to do. "I didn't know that I couldn't, shouldn't, or wasn't able to at least try", says Lin and to this day she continues to step out of her comfort zone and try new things. Larry, her husband is one of her biggest fans.
Aside from painting, Lin enjoys most creative activities. She enjoys sewing projects like making costumes for her daughter, gourmet cooking and hopes to one day make it to the Louvre or Guggenheim museums. I have a feeling this local artist will not be slowing down anytime soon. She is hooked and hopes you will take time to view her work at one of the local establishments around town. To contact Lin directly, she may be reached at (225) 205-4370 or e-mail her at lindancer@bellsouth.net .
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