Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonali Kukreja.
Sonali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Throughout my youth in northern India, I developed a strong desire to come to America-land of the free. I watched American movies every weekend with my brother and dreamed to walk on the white sandy beaches of America. In college, I longed to become a Psychologist and that passion led me to get a master’s degree in Psychology. Subsequently, I enrolled into a PhD program and my ambition to do extensive research led me to the USA.
Ten years later, my husband at the time took an assignment that brought us back to India for two years. My passion for interior decoration seduced me to spend most of the time in home design stores where the artwork always grabbed my attention, as I was always involved in art since childhood. This prompted me to take one-month art classes that turned into eighteen months. I used to lose track of time as it took me into this magical world that made me forget who I was and where. It enlightened me immediately as a powerful, personal means of visual expression that inspired me to transfer all my energy, agony and experiences due to my chronic health condition. Art made it easier to deal with everyday struggles that I go through with my body. I believe you can either complain about what you do not have or rejoice in the things you do have and make the best of it . . . I chose to make the rest of my life, the best of my life!
When I paint I can stand for hours; otherwise, I cannot stand for 5 minutes without the need to sit. Art has so much power. I used to question why my illness happen to me? Why at such an early age? What did I do to deserve it? But art made me accept my reality to focus on the good things that happened. I became more grateful for what I have. I told myself, “no more tears, no more victim mentality, pity party is over, and all will be fine and let me focus on how to deal with it”. I realize that I have only one life and cannot tolerate to lose any second of it on negative thoughts. Since then I have been working with art relentlessly. It became my catharsis which took me away from all the unpredictability of life and always keeps me going. The process to draw and then paint had such an extreme healing and peaceful effect on me that I wanted to send these healing vibes to others. It felt like I finally had a purpose in life. And in confirmation, my initial paintings were sold right away. I took it as a sign of God. That was a turning point in my life. These factors propel me to pursue my art. My goal is to make my work serene, and positive. Therefore, I describe and write some thought-provoking lines to motivate, and inspire with each piece. It felt like one of those stories where people travel east to find themselves and that’s exactly where I discovered myself too. I feel it was all planned, things happen and fall into place. One is simply required to recognize and acknowledge the signs.
But the story doesn’t end here.
After returning from India, we moved to Austin, Texas, where I didn’t know a single soul. Intimidated, and terrified I wanted to get out in the limelight, be known, explore, and shine in the spotlight of Art. But, my hesitation, fear, and doubts stemmed from my Indian culture asked the question . . . “Will I be accepted?” But then, a moment came in I got out of my comfort zone and I hit the “submit button” to sign up for a one of a kind “Pancakes and Booze” Art event – my first art show. It was a great hit and a much-needed boost. That one move pushed me forward and since then there is no looking back. The beginning is always the hardest part. “I can, and I will” is what I tell myself all the time. And I have to say, with persistence and determination, I have come a long way in a short span of time . . . personally as well as professionally. It is a beautiful thing when passion and profession blend together.
Today, I am the owner of Serene Compositions Enterprise LLC. You can find my paintings on Rachel Ray and Better Homes and Gardens. I have been written about and featured in various magazines. I write blogs to promote the power of art in the healing process of mind and body to motivate others by my own personal experiences. I have exhibited internationally, and my artworks are in private collections around the world. I also auction my paintings at local fundraisers. A portion of my sales are going to an Old age home in Patiala, India.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.” – Michael Jordan.
Never give up and stay razor sharp if you are passionate about something. You got to be committed hundred percent. I know it sounds like a cliché’ but that is what I believe and practice. One never knows when he or she is close to the end of the tunnel-so don’t quit. Perseverance, patience and smart-hard work, always pays off-It has in my case. I feel very proud where I started from and where I am right now. Despite the rejections on the way, I brushed them off and said to myself “Ok, this is done, what’s next”.
“Is my art good enough?” This is another common obstacle artists face. Everyone won’t like your art, period. Art is very subjective and personal. I learned this over time.
Serene Compositions By Sonali Kukreja – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Every artist is unique, every hand is different. However, even if it is copied from someone else, it cannot be copied exactly a hundred percent because the artist’s personal style will come into play.
My body of work is diverse from representational to abstract that draws different kinds of people to it. I express my own thoughts on any issue or any subject, without expectations or cultural restraints. My art is a true reflection of who I am.
Most of the time my creative process starts with a visual concept that includes what colors I would use, but at times its just intuition transformed onto canvas. I like to experiment with different media and techniques that keeps my art excited and fresh. I feel stagnant and caged if I restrict myself. There is so much you can do with art . . . So go for it.
I feel proud when my art collectors tell me repeatedly that I am a thought provoker and how much joy my artwork gives them every day. Another client said that she always keeps my inspirational note in her handbag, as a reminder to stay in the light because of her difficult situation. I strongly believe, art should move your heart and soul and not just hang it on the wall.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I have started my new blog about Art & Design and you can find it on my website
http://www.serenecompositions.com
And my upcoming art show on January 24-27 is the “Art Fort Lauderdale, Art Fair on the Water”. This unique 4-day curated art fair transports attendees via water taxis and private yachts along the famed intracoastal waterways with stops at multi-million-dollar waterfront properties that feature various artist exhibits.
Stay tuned for more future happenings. Foundations have been laid and under construction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.serenecompositions.com
- Email: serenecompositions@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonali_kukreja_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SereneCompositionsBySonaliKukreja/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonalikukreja/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
