Sonja Barnard

biography

Born in Germany, Sonja Barnard grew up in both Australia and New Zealand. She graduated in 1993 with a Diploma in Fine Arts, in courses that included painting, printmaking, art history & ceramics.

Since then, she has attended numerous workshops in ceramics at Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (MISSA), as well as workshops on Salt Spring, through the Potters Guild, enhancing her skills and techniques.

In 2012, she was accepted to participate to the International Symposium of Ceramics in Camaguey Cuba, which was a transformational experience for her.

Sonja now lives and has a studio on Salt Spring Island, surrounded by majestic Arbutus & Fir trees.

where to see or read more

shows: Sonja exhibits annually with the Salt Spring Potters Guild, and her work is available at ArtCraft on Salt Spring Island.
The artist welcomes commissions for custom work, contact her below.

web: Sonja is a member of the Salt Spring Potters Guild. Visit her page here.

contact the artist

email: sonjaseaweed@shaw.ca

artist statement

What moves me most are patterns in nature, & the timeless, universal dimension of dream, myths, & legends.

I want to respond to a sense of the Divine in nature. Fostering the feeling of sacred space & interconnectedness I feel, when in the forest or kayaking on the sea. I am mesmerized by the sun sparkling on water, it makes me want to throw glitter, or add sparkly things, rhinestones, crystal to a piece!

My work is sculptural, I love experimenting with textures, taking impressions & incorporating them into a piece. I make rough sketches, but the creative part happens in making....it takes over.

Mostly I like to play!

Sonja Barnard - ceramic artist

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