We were lucky to catch up with Shahla Rahimi Reynolds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shahla , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Years back, I worked on a project helping children who had left their home with their mothers due to domestic violence. My job was to create something that not only allowed them to express their thoughts, but also give them a tangible item they could hold on to. These kids did not have the opportunity to take anything with them as they were leaving home, so none of their toys or clothes were things that now were offered to them through the program. The director asked me to help them design a t-shirt or a pillowcase. The goal was for the kids to express their thoughts by being creative, while owning something that represented their talent and strength through these ordeals.
The kids identity was never revealed to us, but it would not have taken long to see the love and desire these kids showed to learn during this meeting and their willingness display their emotion without hesitation.
Since this was a temporary stay for most of these kids, my classroom often had new students, however after a few weeks, I started noting that they were lined up against the windows in the classroom waiting for my arrival.
It became clear to me that we were not only helping those kids create a t-shirt or a pillowcase, but also providing them with an avenue to express their fears, hopes and desires for a better future. Every one of those designs told a story and those stories were depicting a world experienced by the most fragile part of the population
Allowing one’s mind and imagination to grow and help them imagine a better world not only for themselves, but also others, is key to creating a safe and peaceful world for everyone.

Shahla , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I had always known that I could create and make things, but it took a long time for me to believe in that and have the confident to portray that to others. There have been many challenges and many
issues constantly blocking the path, however somehow, I have managed to carry on and stay hopeful
that my works make a difference and perhaps help others to see the light at the end of the dark path.
I don’t know if could say I have another reason.

My name is Shahla Rahimi Reynolds. At the age of 17, I came to this
country to become a doctor. Amazingly enough, the more I tried to
study my science, it became more evident that si hould change my path.
My easiest subjects were art and I loved them dearly, so many years later,
I got a masters in art and became an artist. I do give many thanks to my
professor, Norma Miller, for entering my first scupture into a national
show, which was accepted, therefore giving me the belief and strength in
my ability as artist and helping me develop my foundation.
From there, I went to create 3 major public arts for sculptures as well as
becoming an award winning artist with works in many private
collections.
In 2007, I created Sonarta.com with the mission to “Connect the Art to Art Enthusiasts”, where. Sonarta.com originally hosted artworks by emerging artists, however it is now showcasing my own artworks.

I believe we are all unique so what I see is always going to be different from others and that is what makes us all special.
For me uniqueness means using bold and bright colors while I create a painting or place a subtle gesture or smooth
curve when I design a sculpture.
It is always that moment of “AHA”, when I figure out a way to embed a message of peace and calmness in a piece of
artwork that will last long after I am gone.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There is no defining moment that describes the path to staying strong against all the challenges facing an artist. It is a daily battle of remaining relevant in a world that is constantly changing. For me it has been about staying true to my own core beliefs and creating artworks that reflect that. Since the forces on social media instantly create new trends and buzz themes, staying focused and creating meaningful works becomes my way of staying true and resisting the urge to follow a superficial path.
Therefore, I remain creative by finding new ways to rebrand and create markets suitable for my works.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I often hear parents tell their kids, If they want to be an artist, get a job so you can afford being an artist on the side.
This was my first life obstacle to becoming an artist. My major in college was pre-med. However, I changed it to art and I remember hearing from my Dad that there was never going to be any money in it, but I did it anyway.
There have been many times in my career that I had to stop and wonder if I made the right choice, and if any of my creations matter to anyone because it has been a tough journey.
No one in my family ever expected to pay for any of my artworks, and if those people who know how much work goes into creating any piece of art were not willing to pay for it, then why should I expect all of these organizations with money to want to pay for it.
The cost of paying for a lawyer or a doctor is never questioned, however, the price of my artwork is always questioned and scrutinized.
It takes money, effort, time, and most of all “imagination” to create a concept out of nothing and put it a context that many can relate to.
When I think about being an artist now, I look back and feel proud for creating 3 monumental public artworks that helps many families remember their loved ones while also honoring them.
Art has always been humanity’s source of inspiration and a record of our existence on this planet. If we can imagine it, then we can build it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sonarta.com
• Instagram: sonarta1
• Facebook: Sonarta.com
• Linkedin: Shahla Rahimi Reynolds
• Twitter: @sonartadotcom
• Youtube: Sonarta.com
• Yelp: Sonarta
• Other: Tik Tok: Sonarta Art GallerySonarta Art Gallery (@sonartacom) Pinterest: Shahla Rahimi Reynolds @sonarta Tumblr: @sonarta

Image Credits
These are images taken by: Shahla Rahimi Reynolds