Interview with Sonia Roseval
Sonia, your work intricately ties nature to artistic expression. Could you describe your initial inspiration for integrating elements of nature directly into your art-making process, particularly the use of foraged materials to create your own paints.
My father inspired me. He was a chemical engineer. He had a Laboratory and when I was young I visited on a regular bases and it informed my imagination especially that he drew his formulas from nature to create creams. Recently I had an article in a well known French journal relating to biochemistry about my relationship to my father and my art, that also inspired my journey and finally,studying my peers in the same area did too.
In your journey to develop a signature style, you’ve chosen to work with alcohol and water-based colors on yupo. What unique challenges and opportunities does this combination present, especially considering the non-traditional nature of yupo as a medium?
Yupo is very versatile for the Alcohol base colors take over the water-based colors. There is a chemical reaction it is almost alive.Yupo is wonderful for this medium. Drys well and with the right spray which stabilizes,protects, and encapsulate the color it is good for many years.
Montreal is known for its vibrant arts scene and distinct seasons, which undoubtedly influence local artists. In what ways has living and working in Montreal shaped your artistic expression, particularly for your upcoming solo show?
Fall is the best time to forage.
Berries are ready for picking for reds.
Black walnuts fall off the trees to make brown.
All around mother nature offers what she has.Montreal is a fabulous laboratory for me.
Could you walk us through your creative process from the conception to the final execution of a piece? How do you decide which natural elements are right for a particular work?
It’s all intuitive
Every artist has themes or messages they explore deeply through their work. What personal or philosophical themes do you find yourself returning to frequently in your creations?
Understanding of the world.
Symbolism of Unity and Consciousness:
My work is inspired by my meditation, it is a captivating expression of the my inner world and my connection to the larger universe. The creations of inks represents a dialogue between nature and my creative intuitive self.Which in turn symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings. My art serves as a reminder of the profound beauty and unity that can be found through artistic expression and the practice of meditation. It invites viewers to contemplate their own place within the interconnected web of existence and to embrace the conscious unity that binds us all.
As you prepare for your solo show in March/April 2025, what kind of interaction or impact are you hoping to achieve with your audience? Is there a particular reaction or dialogue you wish to evoke through your displayed works?
I am hoping to show the process to the viewer is as important as the finished work itself.That the interaction with nature can surprise us and bring us to understand through my work it’s profound beauty.
Looking beyond your 2025 solo exhibition, what future projects are you most excited about? Are there new techniques, collaborations, or thematic explorations you are eager to pursue in your future works?
Yes having been to Japan this year leads me to explore sashiko a stitching technique that I have been using in my drawing….
LE GESÙ
1200, rue de Bleury
Montréal Qc H3B 3J3
March 2nd to the 23rd of April 2025.
