We were lucky to catch up with Sonya Sklaroff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sonya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

When I was a young artist starting out in New York City, a family friend would take me to dinner around the corner from my studio. She would order enough food for four people claiming she was ravenous, but only ate a small portion herself. She insisted on packing the rest for me to take home, providing me with enough food for the whole week. Later, I realized she had deliberately ordered extra dishes, knowing I was a struggling artist who wouldn’t accept direct assistance. She found a way to support me without compromising my integrity. Years later, I confronted her about my realization, and asked how I could repay her kindness and generosity. All she did was smile and she told me to pay it forward to the next generation.

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?

I am a professional artist living and working New York City. My studio is located in an old historic building in Noho. I create vibrant, large and small scale oil on canvas paintings. New York City serves as my muse, my inspiration, and my playground. Often, I draw in my sketchbook and paint watercolors on location, using these works as visual cues in the studio to work on larger pieces. While the city remains my primary source of inspiration, I also travel and paint in various locations around the world. My work has been shown in international solo exhibitions and is held in numerous private and corporate collections worldwide. I received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, where I focused on painting, and later received an MFA in painting at Parsons School of Design. For me, being an artist is more than a profession; it is my life’s purpose. I’m grateful that I get to do what I love and I am happy that so many people appreciate my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the early days of the pandemic, my family and I were confined to our small two-bedroom apartment in midtown Manhattan. Fear and isolation engulfed us, but I knew I had a choice to make: wallow in despair or harness this time to create and reach out to the world.

Setting up a makeshift studio in the living room, I painted while my kids attended school on Zoom and my husband managed business calls.

Amidst the intense confinement of the pandemic, I embarked on my “Pandemic Paintings Series.” Each canvas became a raw and genuine expression of determination, optimism, and resilience, capturing the emotions that defined those challenging times. Unable to seek external inspiration, I turned inward, exploring my dreams, memories, daily life, and thoughts. This deeply personal journey pushed the boundaries of my work, resulting in a transformative and meaningful series. Sharing each piece on social media, I received a positive and encouraging response from my growing audience. As I continued to work, I found a larger community of art lovers from around the world connecting with my paintings.

This series fills me with immense pride, not only for its artistic merit but also for the profound connection it forged with viewers. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of art during adversity, inspiring hope, unity, and resilience that resonates universally.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most gratifying aspects of being an artist is having the opportunity to meet and connect with extraordinary and dedicated creative people across various disciplines. Through my artistic life, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting musicians, writers, actors, chefs, choreographers, composers, architects, dancers, and more. I find immense joy in exchanging ideas with these like-minded individuals, and on occasion, these interactions lead to inspiring collaborations.

The process of being an artist is personal and profound, and when I engage with others who share the same passion and dedication to their craft, it feels like magic. Sharing, conversing, and collaborating with these inspiring individuals not only enriches my perspective but also fuels my drive to continuously explore new possibilities within my creative journey. These connections and encounters with fellow creators serve as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement on my path as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SonyaSklaroff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonyasklaroff/

Image Credits
Sonya Sklaroff in the studio, Photo Credit: Neil Kramer All artwork photography credit: John Berens