ARTIST'S STATEMENT

 

Utilizing a bold, contemporary style full of color and life, dynamic angles and layers of tonal variations, I work primarily with acrylics on canvas to spread my love of people and music with the world.  During my professional dance career, prior to raising my two sons, I experienced many moments of shared joy and powerful collective connections through different genres of music, no matter the country or language.  Living on the outskirts of Nashville since 2007 has provided me the opportunity to interact with many world-renowned musicians who allow me to study their hands, instruments and techniques.  In my music themed pieces I strive to convey the soulful message on canvas that they express in their songs.  A lifetime of drawing with charcoal and graphite taught lessons in relation to composition, perspective and values which has been a launchpad for me as I have only been painting since 2016. 

 

In my artwork, I choose to focus on creating images everyone can relate to, leading my audience to shift their attention to the brighter notes and more positive aspects of humanity.  

 

COMMISSION WORK

Clearwater Jazz Holiday, 2020 & 2021, Clearwater, FL

Sole artist chosen to create poster for music festival.

John Stone, Country Music Artist, 2019, Nashville, TN 

30x40", Acrylic Painting of and for country artist, John Stone

The Rickshaw Run, Charity Race of 2018, India

Conceptualized and drew ideas used for Malvin Mortimer's rickshaw

"Francesca," 16x20" Oil Painting on Basswood, 2018, Atlanta, GA

Commemorating my professional dance career, this glorious flamenco dancer captures a fire that burns within all artists.

World Map Mural, 2017, Nashville, TN 

Designed and painted interior room for multicultural family in preparation for their new arrival.

 

SHOWS/EXHIBITIONS

 

SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO STREET COFFEE IN PLEASANT VIEW, TN

For choosing to display prints on metal from the Performance Series to adorn the walls of their lovely coffee bar.

 

Art League of Cheatham Co. Juried Art Show, 2021, Ashland City, TN

Honorable Mention, "On a Brighter Note", "Well Traveled", "Angel of Hope"

Art League of Cheatham Co. Juried Art Show, 2019, Ashland City, TN

Judge's Merit, "Humble Roots", 30x40 Acrylic

The Art Event at Lipscomb, 2019, Nashville, TN 

St. Matthew's Art for Inspiration, 2017, Nashville, TN 

Leiper's Fork Art Exhibition, 2016, Leiper's Fork, TN 

Art in the Park, Kingston Springs, TN 

2019 People's Choice, "Splash of Rhythm," 30x40 Acrylic

2018 1st Place, "Discovery," 16x22" Pastel & Charcoal

2018 2nd Place, "Hot Sax," 30x40" Acrylic

2017 2nd Place, "Harpeth Lacrosse," 17x23" Color Pencil

2017 3rd place, "A Soulful Song," 30x40" Acrylic

2016 1st place, "Gentle Hands, Sweet Soul," 11x14" Color Pencil

2016 1st place, "Forest Palette," 16x20" Acrylic Painting

DISTINGUISHED HONORS

 

Secretary for Art League of Cheatham County, 2019 - 2020

Sole Artist Invited to Supper and Song, Kingston Springs, TN, 2019

Sought out by Street Coffee to display artwork, Pleasant View, TN, 2020

Urban Grub exhibits 12 original Sonja Beck Paintings, Nashville, TN, 2020

Art featured in Chromatics' ad in Nashville Arts Magazine, 2018

 

EDUCATION

 

Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX

B.A., Studio Arts

GPA 3.5

 

COURSES

 

Visual Form

Drawing I, II

Visual Arts

Ceramics

Design I, II

Intaglio Printmaking