We recently connected with Sonya Sklaroff and have shared our conversation below.
Sonya, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’ve always felt a strong drive to excel—whether it’s creating better paintings, mastering compositions, succeeding in school, or absorbing as much knowledge as possible. However, it wasn’t until I took on a traditional office job after finishing art school that I realized how crucial it was for me to actively create. The corporate environment didn’t suit me, and I recognized that being my own boss and working with my hands was essential for my happiness. I discovered that making art wasn’t just a choice; it was my purpose. I wouldn’t be content in a job that hindered my creativity. My motivation comes from the need to consistently work hard and produce the best paintings I can. This is when I feel most focused and fulfilled.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve been an artist all my life, dedicating myself to my craft since childhood. My studio, located in Noho, New York City, has been my creative haven for nearly 30 years. While I specialize in working with oil on canvas in my studio, I also find immense joy in roaming the streets of NYC with my sketchbook and watercolors, capturing moments on location. Fueling my passion for both art and exploration, I often carry my paints to faraway places, documenting the surroundings that inspire me and bringing them back to my studio for future projects.
Having graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA, painting) and Parsons School of Design (MFA, painting), I’ve been exhibiting my paintings in the US and abroad. I usually have one major show per year, where I exhibit a new body of work. My recent exhibitions were entitled “A love letter to New York City” and “Secrets of New York” and both were accompanied by artist’s monographs.
I love what I do and can’t imagine my life without art. Painting and drawing serve as my language to record my surroundings and communicate with the world. The connection people find with the work that holds a special place in my heart is truly gratifying. In my studio now I’m excited to be working on a new body of work that I will be exhibiting in New York City at my spring show.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Maintain a steadfast focus on your goals.
My aim has always been to channel my energy into creating exceptional paintings while sustaining a livelihood as an artist. When confronted with opportunities that didn’t align with this goal, like requests for private lessons in my studio, I chose to decline. I realized that such diversions weren’t productive – when in my studio, I yearn to immerse myself in creating without distractions. As a part-time associate professor at Parsons School of Design, I find joy in teaching in a university setting, allowing me both the fulfillment of imparting knowledge and the dedicated time to be a working professional artist in my studio.
2. Embrace opportunities that come your way.
During my early career, I had the opportunity to show my paintings in a solo exhibition on the walls of a Broadway theater. Despite its unconventional nature, I chose to seize the opportunity, and it proved to be extraordinary. Each night during intermission, my work was exposed to 500 new people. This endeavor not only expanded my collector base but also resulted in a sold-out show.
3. Foster a supportive community.
Art-making can be a solitary endeavor, and having a network of creative individuals in my studio building, neighborhood, and circle has proven vital to my creative process. Engaging with fellow artists, dancers, chefs, photographers, writers, choreographers, interior designers, architects, and inventors allows me to exchange ideas, visit their studios, and discuss overcoming creative obstacles. Collaboration is also a wonderful aspect of these relationships. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to projects such as album covers, book covers, and countless portraits. These collaborative ventures became especially important during the pandemic, providing not only support and communication but also a sense of connection during times of isolation..
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When the weight of work or career responsibilities becomes overwhelming—whether preparing for a major show or tackling a substantial commission—I find solace in stepping back and engaging in an entirely different activity. One of my personal favorites is ballroom dancing, a passion I’ve cultivated for over 25 years. It serves as an incredible stress release, offering a unique connection to a community outside my usual art circles and delivering a wonderful workout.
After an evening of ballroom dancing, I feel a tangible lift, as I shift my focus from work to the music, the steps, and the art of following my partner’s lead. It’s a refreshing departure from my studio, allowing me to return with a rejuvenated perspective and a clear head. My advice to those feeling overwhelmed is to seek out an activity they enjoy, providing a temporary escape that frees them from thoughts of work. The return to the studio is then marked by a renewed outlook and a sense of clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SonyaSklaroff.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sonyasklaroff/
Image Credits
Sonya Sklaroff in the studio: Neil Kramer Artwork photographed by John Berens
