Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Sklaroff.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Some people may choose to be artists, but for me being anything else was never an option. This is just who I am. I am enthralled by light hitting objects, light between objects, light behind objects, light reflecting off objects. When I see sunlight on a building, I’m consumed by a desire to paint it… and so I do.
I live in New York; that’s the city I see every day so it is what I paint. This city never ceases to provide inspiration. I love the little things: Taxis rushing by. Garbage trucks on their morning run. The subway rumbling by. The intricate lacing of fire escapes. The rooftop water towers.
And the light is always changing. Spring drenches the city in warm light and the budding flowers dapple the streets with color. The summer sun sets late, the light and warmth lingering into the evening. Autumn sunsets create long cool shadows. Winter snow diffuses the light, the city awash in smoky greys.
Every day is unique. I record it so that it’s beauty isn’t lost forever. That’s what I live for.
Please tell us about your art.
My paintings are a visual interpretation of the world that I see and experience around me. Oil paint is my medium and I choose to explore and express myself through broad and thick brush strokes of color.
Whether I’m painting a New York city scape, a portrait, an interior, or a rural landscape, I attempt to portray the subject in the most personal and vivid way possible. Many of my subjects are quiet moments or places that people tend to overlook. Some viewers may see them as banal or mundane, but I feel that it’s my job to show them that an intimate and seemingly unremarkable slice of life can be poetic and meaningful.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Supporting living working artists is vital to a thriving culture. Attending art events, joining organizations that support the arts, and purchasing artists’ work are the best ways for communities to help artists to continue to live, develop, and flourish.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Personal website: www.SonyaSklaroff.com
Instagram: @sonyasklaroff
Art agent’s website: www.goartonline.com
Sonya Sklaroff exhibits her work in the US as well as in Europe. Her most recent solo exhibition was in the spring in Paris, and her fall solo exhibition is opening in October in Switzerland.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SonyaSklaroff.com
- Email: Sonya@SonyaSklaroff.com
- Instagram: @sonyasklaroff
Image Credit:
All artwork photo credit: John Berens
Artist in her Studio photo credit: Kelly Lodge
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
