Sonya Celia Gonzalez

SONYA CELIA GONZALEZ
ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My art has been described as illustrative, charming, whimsical, and abundantly colorful. The emphasis is on figures and bold contrasts and variety of color. I primarily use acrylic paints on board, and sometimes collage is introduced (mixed media). The large collection of musician paintings are a reflection of my many years as a violinist, performing with civic orchestras and ensembles. There is often an expressive contrast between the uninhibited musicians and their solemn listeners.

My art has been described as “containing color schemes that keeps changing, surprisingly and yet remaining harmonious at the same time”. Because I am a musician, much of my work includes musicians, and oftentimes contains a “behind the scenes” situation.

Other work, still maintaing the vibrant color schemes is of my family...sisters, and my mother. My paintings are a reflection of my personal life and experiences. Some of these paintings contain poems in Spanish with English translations, and others utilizing a combination of Spanish and English (Spanglish).

BIO/EXHIBITS I am a native of San Antonio, Texas and have studied art at Coppini Academy, ReBarn center, with local artists and independently. I have an M.Ed. from Trinity University and a B.A. from Our Lady of the Lake University. I also have postgraduate hours in Urban Studies from Trinity University and undergraduate hours toward a Music degree from U.T.S.A.

I have exhibited at: Galeria Ortiz, Cletus Gallery, Ventana Gallery, Centro Cultural de Atzlan, Texas Public Radio Live Auction, Espuma Tea Emporium, Art in the Hood, City Market, Galeria Sergio Bustamante, Southtown Silent Art Auction, and the San Antonio Metropolitan Airport.

My work has been featured on conference materials, posters, brochures and greeting cards. My art work was also featured on the cover of the Minnesota Orchestra’s magazine, Showcase, February 2000 issue, and on the cover of Southwestern Musician, the T.M.E.A. magazine. Upcoming , will be the cover for S.A. Poet, April 2000 issue and American Recorder, May 2000 issue.