Sonika Gupta
As a native New Yorker, Sonika’s exposure to art has been rich and diverse. Her early engagements in visual arts, classical dance, and music eventually led to a bachelor’s in Arts Management at Purchase College (SUNY). Then, she gainedproficiency in oil painting and drawing (fundamental, traditional, contemporary, portrait) at the Center for the Arts of Westchester Community College (SUNY). This was followed by experiences in museums, art therapy, gallery management, grant writing and development, and nonprofits. She then chose to be her own master, focusing on oil and acrylic paintings, along with some digital art, to explore a range of expression from the past and the present.
Artist: Sonika Gupta
Based in USA
Instagram: @sonikart13
Culturally features:
"Head and Sentiment: Dreams of an Artist", May 29-July 30 2021, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your work?
I aim to create a sense of awe or appreciation of nature, providing a lens into a perceived scene and amplifying the emotions or connotations surrounding the scene. This is true not only for scenes of nature, but also of man-made constructs. I like to evoke the gifts that nature keeps giving, both small and large, while putting a more personal or contemporary twist on classic beauty in order to convey a more intriguing meaning. For example, “Lava Lilies Lake” is a take on a horrid but impending future that might arise due to climate change, unless humans take drastic action all around the world. As another example, the scene of the “Three Thinkers” reflects upon society’s status quo of being in the same physical space yet completely in one’s own world, ironically isolated by cell phones and technology at large. Through the varied themes of my work, I aim to strike a chord with the viewer’s own senses of observation and contemplation.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspirations include places I have visited, people I have seen or interacted with,
and renowned works I have studied (most commonly by Monet and van Gogh).
How would you describe your creative process?
It’s usually a slow process which starts by coming up with an idea that I sketch on paper. Then I enlarge the sketch on canvas and fill in large blocks of color with paint. I come back to the details afterward, letting layers dry in between. Things evolve as I go along and take into consideration color choices, composition, texture, etc. I often leave a painting aside for a few days and come back to it with a refreshed perspective. Once I deem it finished, I let it dry and varnish it (if it’s an acrylic painting) or let it simply dry further (if it’s an oil painting). Finally, I like to frame my paintings so they are ready to hang on a wall.
What is integral to your work as an artist?
I’d say that observed scenes using vibrant color schemes are an integral part of my
work.
Do you have any experiences that have impacted your art?
I’ve had various experiences that have impacted my art, and I’m grateful for each one of them. These include having withdrawn from college due to health reasons before transferring to another one, which led me to take up painting as a therapeutic hobby that
gradually turned into a professional ambition. Also, taking various art classes at the WCC Center for the Arts honed my technical skills. Furthermore, working at a creative arts therapy nonprofit allowed me to learn how to emphasize the process over the product in art-making. Finally, experiencing the joy of painting has kept me at it through rough patches as well as good times.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Don’t get discouraged. Art is all about trial
and error so stick with it and see where it takes you!
