June Featured Artist - Sofia Venegas

Sofia working on the original painting that we used for our Reimagine event.

Sofia Venegas kindly allowed us to use her art for our Reimagine event, and we’re excited to share more of her work with you. Venegas works with oil paint, and also incorporates acrylic, epoxy resin, graphite, ink, and clay to bring her work into existence. Nature and empowered women are often represented in her work, subjects that share a duality of vulnerability and strength in the most beautiful way. She enjoys combining the two subjects to demonstrate this dichotomy. Sofia also has a deep love for animals. Spending hours of intense attention on every detail, down to the texture of a feather or fur, is her way of honoring the creatures she exhibits, as she feels it is more and more necessary to do so in todays global climate.

What are five words to describe you/your work?

Colorful, Nature, Contemporary, Symbiotic, Empathetic

What is your creative process like?

I usually plan out my ideas either on paper, my ipad, or even photo editing apps on my phone! I like using Procreate to help me make drafts of my work in order to test out colors and compositions quickly. By the time I'm ready to paint, I've already drawn my idea a few times so blocking in the shapes and colors goes by fast. I love this part because you can really see the blank canvas come to life. In those first few hours I feel the most free, and can allow new developments (or "happy accidents") to happen with the paint in a ways I can't plan, which is fun to watch. That excitement usually propels me forward in finishing all the details. Sometimes my process takes me one day, and sometimes it takes me over a year, depending on how much detail I want to put into a piece.

How do you stay inspired?

I rarely feel a shortage of inspiration. Sometimes just having an interesting conversation with a friend inspires me to paint. Not to mention all the art you can see and share on social media; it's hard for me to not to see something that gives me an idea for a painting everyday! But, ultimately, I think nature is the true source of inspiration that most art that I admire can be traced back to. Whether it's talking to someone that gives me an idea, watching a time lapse of someone creating, or being fascinated by the lime green colors of algae on a rock- I think inspiration can happen from just about anything.

What drives you to make art?

Knowing that our experience of life is relatively short is what drives me to make art. A few years ago, while taking classes at a community college, I met several retired people who told me they "wished they started making art at my age." It dawned on me then that I was too eager learn and had too many ideas to wait until I was older to make art.

What message do you want to send through your business or art?

Create what makes you happy and don't be afraid in trying new things. By forging our memories of life experiences, imagery that resonates within us, and subject matter that compels us, signals a response on canvas that is unique to every individual. This response, not only helps in better understanding oneself, but develops empathy and understanding between the creator and the viewer.

What difficult experiences have you faced professionally/creatively?

Essentially being newly self-employed makes staying focused, and being motivated everyday (even when I don't feel like it) difficult. I always enjoyed taking art classes because it forced me to show up. While I love the process of creating, getting started is often the hardest part for me. Dealing with ADHD and depression also makes being self-disciplined extremely hard sometimes. However, once I get passed that initial hurdle, I'm reminded of what makes me love creating! Time becomes irrelevant and focusing is effortless.

What has been your experience with Mar Vista Music & Art Walk? How do you feel connected to it?

Unfortunately, I didn't get to be a part of the event before having to leave LA due to COVID-19. However, the experiences I have had in the last few months has brought me closer to other artists that I undoubtably would have never known otherwise. The ingenuity among creatives rallying on social platforms in new ways and expanding audiences during these times has been amazing, and I am honored to be part of a virtual event that can reach and be shared by people around the world.

Do you have any upcoming projects, events or shows? (So we can let the people know!)

As I no longer am able to teach art to kids, I have had a new found amount of time to work on my website, and make prints of my original artwork that is available to purchase! I have also finally finished two paintings that have taken me over a year to make and can be seen on my website www.sofiavenegas.com

Website https://www.sofiavenegas.com

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

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sofiamakesart/