Soniei
Serene Inspiration
by
Georgianna Lane, for Fine Art Registry®
Watching the sunrise above the clouds on the summit of Mount Fuji would be a soul-stirring experience for anyone. For an artist, it could be life-changing. For Fine Art Registry® artist Soniei, it was among the profound Japanese influences that inspired her contemporary paintings of elegant serenity.
Delicate arching cherry blossoms, graceful kanji characters and masterful brushwork contribute a meditative quality to her work, creating a reflective and peaceful atmosphere.
Soniei (pronounced sO.nE.A) was born in the small French-Acadian community of Clare, on the east coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, a scenic coastal area with a strong heritage of art and music. But her path to becoming an artist led her around the world and through a myriad of jobs before she was able to pursue her dream full-time from her current home in urban Halifax.
Always passionate about becoming an artist, she began taking drawing and painting lessons at the age of six. But other talents and demands dictated a different direction - she began traveling as a dancer when she was 12, and by the time she was 16, was also touring as a guitarist/singer.
And, alongside her considerable artist talents, Soniei has a very practical side. She attended college and completed demanding degrees (Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology, and Programmer Analyst / Internet Solution Developer).
Overcoming Fear to Pursue Her Passion
Says Soniei, looking back on that time period, "I was motivated to find a job that provided me security and steady income, so finding a career in art was definitely not on my to-do list.
"I wanted to be an artist ever since I could remember. I knew I'd be happy painting but tremendous fear was in the way of that career move. There was no promise of a steady paycheck and I had bills and student loans. That's why I kept on taking jobs that were emotionally unrewarding but would pay well. I've been a tourist guide, English teacher, research assistant, computer programer - so many different jobs that didn't 'fit' me.
"I was always waiting for and craving time off. Weekends never came fast enough, and Mondays came too soon. I was trying to be grateful for all that I had in my life, but if I took one hard look at myself I knew I was miserable.
"Determined to make my childhood dream a reality, I started working on a business called 'Soniei's Contemporary Art' in 2004, which only started making me money in 2006. Now, I'm a self-representing artist and home online-business owner. I love my job and I can't see myself doing anything else.
"Now I don't care what day it is. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, it's all the same to me. 99% of the time, I view work as play time, especially now that I don't do custom paintings anymore. I'm creating art like I used to do as a child, freely. I'm truly grateful."
The Influences of Tranquility
"My paintings are greatly influenced by my experiences in Japan which include hiking in bamboo forests, participating in Hanami night-time celebrations (cherry-blossom viewing) under hundreds of spectacular tree-hanging lanterns, going to trendy clubs in Roppongi (Tokyo), and climbing Mount Fuji to watch the sunrise above the clouds."
Soniei began practicing Zen Brushwork to help her unwind and stay balanced. In its simplicity, Zen brushwork means "focusing the mind with calligraphy."
Zen is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment and emphasizes meditation, acceptance of the present moment, letting go of judgmental thinking.
Sho means 'calligraphy' and is an art based on writing.
Soniei explains:
"Zen Brushwork differs from other calligraphic disciplines because it focuses on achieving mu-shin ("no-mind") through meditation. It is the practice and belief that true creativity is not the product of a conscious effort but develops from mu-shin, a state beyond thought, emotions and expectations. For those who are captivated with art, Zen Brushwork can be seen as a form of true artistic expression.
"Demanding the highest level of spirituality, the ability to make one's strength visible in Zen Brushwork comes only through dedicated practice. In contrast to other calligraphic disciplines, which use Chinese characters as a basis, Zen Brushwork is the expression of Zen through a brush, whether the end result is a single stroke, a circle or a painting. Using the principles of Zen, this art form represents the relationship between the mind, body and universe."
Influence of Zen Brushwork on Her Contemporary Zen Sho Collection
"The title of my contemporary 'Zen Sho Collection' is more about honoring my practice of Zen Brushwork since it is what initially inspired me to paint contemporary Japanese themed art.
"The Zen Sho Collection falls into the decorative contemporary art category and cannot be categorized as traditional Zen art. Actually, some of my paintings can be quite complicated and chaotic. Each of my paintings are influenced by my practice of Zen Brushwork in varying degrees, depending on how 'Zen' I can let myself be that day."
A Professional Approach to Marketing Her Art
Visit Soniei's web site, blog and eBay store and you are immediately struck by her practical and professional approach to every aspect and detail of marketing her work. To be sure, she benefits from her own technical programming background, and the stunning contributions of her boyfriend, Peter Cyr, in designing her beautiful web site, but her own philosophy and insistence on quality presentation are apparent on every page.
Although she only sold her first painting just over three years ago, she has already sold more than 1000 original works! This has enabled her to support herself with her art, although with fluctuations in the economy, she is always looking for more ways to get her work known around the world.
She is hoping to be represented by local galleries but the application and acceptance process can be frustrating. So for now, she is sticking with online sales, most of which have come through her eBay store (www.ebay.soniei.com.)
"I also use twitter.com, I started a blog on my website, ustream.tv, flickr.com, and once I have a little more time (especially after the Christmas/Holiday season when my main focus is on painting and selling), I will be exploring YouTube and making videos.
"I must say that I LOVE the internet and if I really had to pick between galleries and selling online, ONLINE is the way to go for me. I love the fact that it shows my art internationally, instead of keeping it locally."
Increasing the Value of Her Work with the Fine Art Registry® System
Soniei began tagging and registering her paintings with FAR® in March of 2008 and in a few short months has tagged and registered over 100 originals.
"I was looking at 'Internet Marketing' videos on YouTube when I stumbled upon a video that featured Lorna Wallace and Fine Art Registry.
"I like the fact that it keeps a record of my paintings on the FAR website, it's another way to market. The more you put yourself out there, the better. I also like the fact that it helps with documenting the art. One customer was excited when I started tagging my paintings because it made it so much easier for her to insure her paintings.
Soniei's eBay listings clearly show registration in FAR as a top selling point and position her as an artist who knows the value of each of her works, and her artistic legacy as a whole.
The Future
Soniei is determined to persist in her quest to be a successful artist, through any creative and financial challenges she may face. Although it may not be the easiest course, and involves long hours and sacrifice, she is encouraged by the tremendous reception her art has received as well as the unconditional support of her family and boyfriend. She will continue to climb her chosen mountain, knowing a beautiful and rewarding view will greet her at the summit.
"I hope that you have found your passion. If not, believe me when I say that your happiness is worth all the time and energy it takes to follow your dreams."
Visit Soniei's Fine Art Registry Gallery here and her website here.
Purchase An Introduction to Internet
Marketing for Artists DVD here.
— by Georgianna Lane
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November 1, 2008
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