Canadian abstract artist Sonja Kobrehel transforms her lifelong passion for art into vibrant expressions of creativity. Enjoy her portfolio and find more on her website.
Painting has been a lifelong passion of mine, one that I have nurtured and cultivated since my earliest days. Even as a young child, I was captivated by the vibrant colors, the expressive brushstrokes, and the boundless creative potential of the canvas.
This innate love for the arts led me to pursue a formal education in the field. I was fortunate enough to attend a traditional school of drawing and painting that honed my technical skills and expanded my artistic vision. Graduating from a European art academy opened up a world of creative possibilities.
My paintings reflect my creative journey. They are like a tapestry woven with the diverse techniques and styles I have explored over the years. As an artist, I have been on a constant quest to expand my skills and find the approaches that resonate most deeply with me. Through this process of experimentation and discovery, I have amassed a versatile repertoire. It allows me to express myself in myriad ways upon the canvas.
For over two decades, the Canadian province of British Columbia has been my artistic home. My studio is truly a sanctuary, a sacred space where I can lose myself in the act of abstract painting. It is here that I find an unparalleled outlet for self-expression, a meditative practice that allows me to work through life’s challenges and arrive at a greater sense of balance.
When faced with difficult problems or overwhelming emotions, the process of putting paint to canvas becomes a form of problem-solving. It is a way to work through my thoughts and feelings in a tangible, creative way. The freedom I experience in this space is unlike anything else. As I layer colors, experiment with line and form, the worries and stresses of the outside world seem to melt away.
In those moments, time itself dissolves. I am fully immersed in the sensory experience of painting. It is a deeply cathartic process, one that enables me to work through inner turmoil and emerge feeling more grounded, more centered. There is a profound sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a painting. I have a feeling of having gained clarity and perspective.
My studio is not just a physical space, but a mental and emotional sanctuary where I can find refuge. It is where I can give voice to my deepest thoughts and feelings. It is a place of profound creativity, of self-discovery, and ultimately, of healing.
There is an unparalleled joy I experience in the act of creating, of transforming a blank canvas into a vivid, tangible expression of my unique perspective on the world. The true power of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, spark the imagination, and invite the viewer to actively engage with and find their own meaning within the work.
Symbolism plays a central role in my artwork. I strive to create a personal iconography that serves as a visual language for communicating the many aspects of my lived experience. Drawing is a crucial component, allowing me to communicate my intended vision with precision and clarity. Ultimately, my art reflects the constant flux and evolution of my inner world. My paintings express an ever-shifting tapestry of color, texture, symbol, and form.
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