Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonja Kodimer.
Sonja, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have always been driven to create. I came to Julian to teach art at the local high school. In teaching others, I was able to grow as a creative spirit. I was soon inspired to open a store, Crow and Lilac, that has become the outlet for my creativity. Here I sell my ceramic work, oil paintings and handmade natural body products. As a painter I am committed to studying classical methods and continue to pursue my education. This has taken me to Studio Escalier, Watts Atelier and soon the Tony Ryder School in New Mexico. I am no longer teaching and have been able to commit myself to my business full time. I could not have planned this path for myself, and am so grateful for how my path has unfolded.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am drawn to paint from life, currently focusing on still life with oils. I love to immerse myself in the silence and stillness of an object or still life composition. By meditating with my subject, I feel I am finding a truth about the nature of the object and by extension myself. In painting and anything I create, I simply seek to express peace or joy. To help people pause and experience a moment of stillness.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Excuses are available for any and all reasons. We all have to work within limits and sometimes work very hard to meet our goals. For two years I taught full time and opened my shop on the weekends. I made my products and products artwork. I was exhausted, but the thrill of creating and selling my creations kept me motivated. When you are tired, push yourself to make something or do something. Find ways to make creativity easy in your off time (a tiny studio space in the corner of the room that you never have to clean up). Say no to more social activities and use that time to create. Push. You can do it. Find ways to support yourself that also support your passion for creativity.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I sell my work through my shop, Crow and Lilac in Julian.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2608 B. Street Julian, CA 92036
- Website: www.sonjakodimer.com, www.crowandlilac.com
- Email: sonja@sonjakodimer.com, findjoy@crowandlilac.com
- Instagram: sonjakodimer
Image Credit:
Sonja Kodimer
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