Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sonia Pal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sonia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Long hours, different time zones, and frequent travel left me exhausted and disconnected from personal life. After working successfully for years in my corporate career, burnout led me to take a short break.
Within two weeks of this self-imposed sabbatical of sorts, however, I was bored. I realized my lack of hobbies, and lack of friends outside of my immediate circle. I had nothing to talk about other than work!
At a friend’s suggestion I joined a weeklong calligraphy camp. This experience was transformative. Not only had I found a hobby, but also joy and solace in writing and creating art. It was meditative, relaxing, and healing. I connected with myself by being in the solitude of writing and yet made more friends worldwide through this art than ever before.
As I delved deeper into art, I recognized the importance of treating the mind, body, and spirit as one. This perspective was missing in my life.
I wondered how many more people needed help, finding a way to unplug and rejuvenate. The more I asked and looked around, the more evident it became, I was not alone.
While the logical thing to do would have been to rejuvenate during this break and go back to my day job as a professional clinical researcher, I decided to take a risk.
I chose a new path: helping people heal through art.
It is my mission now to help others find joy, connection, happiness, and healing in a more holistic way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
After finishing my medical training, I got married and moved to North Carolina, where we have happily lived for many years. I worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, focusing on clinical research, before unexpectedly diving into the world of art. Going from a doctor to a clinical researcher and then a creative entrepreneur was quite an accident, but that’s how life often goes – full of unexpected twists. I’ve learned to roll with whatever comes my way and stay curious about what’s next. It has been difficult at times, but rewarding, nonetheless.
In the world of calligraphy, there’s a saying, “You don’t choose calligraphy, calligraphy chooses you.” That really rings true for me.
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, driven by the challenges I faced and the unique solutions I came up with.
I used to talk enthusiastically about calligraphy and art and how they’ve transformed my life. But I would often hear people say things like, “I don’t have good handwriting, so I can’t do this,” or “It must be expensive,” or “Is it even relevant in the digital age?” Those ideas couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need perfect handwriting, it’s not a costly hobby – all you need is a pen, ink, and paper. And in our tech-dominated world, creating something physical with your hands is even more valuable. There’s actual science behind the benefits of creative arts for your brain and well-being.
I discovered a clear mission that felt daunting but important. I wondered how I could bring the happiness, connection, and healing power of art to people’s lives. That’s when I decided to improve my skills, learn more, and share this knowledge in a fun and accessible way. This journey led me to start my business, ‘ASquareWatermelon,’ which has grown into much more than just calligraphy.
Now, my work encompasses a variety of services, and I’m always expanding to meet the needs of my diverse clients. Following is a list of services I currently offer:
- Calligraphy classes for beginners of all ages, virtual and in person:
Learning calligraphy offers fulfilling personal and professional benefits, fostering creativity and connecting with history. Amidst the resurgence of interest, beginners grapple with information overload on tools, supplies, and formats. I guide beginner calligraphers, catering to varying levels of commitment, from casual curiosity to future entrepreneurial goals. Through practical projects, I make concepts accessible and applicable from the outset.
Link to in person class registration: https://www.lunespark.com/service-page/calligraphy-adults?referral=service_list_widget
Link to online class registration: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/calligraphy-workshop-online
2. Creative retreats and events for businesses:
I have a strong passion for partnering with local businesses and corporations to organize creative retreats and events. Whether it’s a beginner calligraphy workshop or an art-focused gathering, I welcome inquiries from those interested in hosting such occasions. In a world seeking more opportunities for shared experiences, my goal is to provide spaces where people can come together, enjoy leisurely lettering and artistic exploration, all while learning and connecting in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
3. Calligraphy and art commissions:
I offer calligraphy and art commissions tailored to those seeking heartfelt, handcrafted gifts. Nothing encapsulates the essence of affection and thoughtfulness better than a handwritten poem, a tender heartfelt sentiment.
Link to commission request page: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/contact-me
4. Calligraphy membership:
I have started a calligraphy membership online where I will take beginners with zero experience through a creative journey right from the start. Membership starts early September.
Link to waitlist for calligraphy membership site: https://asquarewatermelon.ck.page/ebook
5. Fine art, prints and merchandize:
I create fine art using watercolors, acrylic, mixed media and calligraphy. My art business is centered around creating unique and original art pieces that I generously donate to support charitable causes, such as child education and local community initiatives. Through my artwork, I aim to make a positive impact by contributing to these important endeavors. Each piece I create is not only a creative expression but also a means to bring about positive change and support meaningful projects within my community and beyond.
Art prints and merchandize can be purchased on my website.
Link to website: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/artist-favorites
I am launching a fabric collection featuring my art soon, through print-on-demand sites expected this fall. This perfectly aligns with the essence of handmade creativity. With a deep appreciation for the vibrant quilting and sewing community in North Carolina, I eagerly anticipate sharing this collection with fellow artists and makers who will find joy in incorporating my artistry into their imaginative projects.
The common thread that runs through each of these offerings is love, joy, connection, and healing which is the core of my business pursuits.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Central to my creative odyssey is a compelling mission: to forge profound human connections, weaving threads of love, joy, and healing. This journey is a tapestry of self-discovery, entwining our spirits and nurturing bonds that unite us all, creating a symphony of humanity’s shared experience.
One of my favorite quotes of all times is by Rumi –
‘Love is the whole thing. We are just the pieces’.
In fact, I have an entire blog post written about this and have an entire collection of art dedicated to this quote:
https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/my-art-musings
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The enchanting heartbeat of the creative journey for me is the pursuit of knowledge. With each stroke of creation, I unearth a treasure trove of insights—into the art’s very soul, the whispered stories of my tools and supplies, the hidden narratives within subjects I paint, the mosaic of humanity and landscapes, the tapestry of bygone eras and contemporary tales, the limitless horizons of what’s to come, and the vibrant camaraderie among kindred creators. It’s a ceaseless dance of discovery that makes every piece a chapter in an ever-unfolding saga of enlightenment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asquarewatermelon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090185775721
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsoniajpal/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ASquareWatermelon
- Other: Free eBook for calligraphy Beginners: https://asquarewatermelon.ck.page/ebook