Meet Sonia Medina

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sonia Medina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sonia below.

Sonia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Sometimes, I think ADHD controls my restlessness to learn new techniques; I’ve even joked about collecting craftsmanship skills like infinity stones, haha, but I’m always trying to learn. I’ve always had this appetite for learning new things, whether it is sewing, woodworking, collage, paper mache, etc, and I’m never afraid to try out a new medium, so I feel like my creativity comes alive through these new mediums, my creativity is always being challenged as I challenge myself not only by learning how to manipulate new materials but how people move in these different spaces.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and I am a graduate architect, interior designer, and artist based in Dallas, Texas; at the beginning of the pandemic, I moved to London to pursue my master’s degree in interior design, where I created a performance piece called The Egg and the City, where I explored the effect or performance in public space, their boundaries and behavioral aspects through the context of the pandemics in the cities of Tegucigalpa and London, unveiling the impacts of public space disruption through performative acts. My work spans architecture, interior design, furniture design, and fine arts. One of the most exciting aspects of my career is the ability to blend functionality, aesthetics, and technology to create sustainable, human-centered solutions. Each project is an opportunity to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional design and art.
This fall, I will be hosting workshops at different Cultural Centers: LightCraft on October 26th at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, at the South Dallas Cultural Center, Motion Design on October 19th, Color Theory for Beginners on November 16th, and at the Bath House Cultural Center, Illustrating Emotions on December 14th. My workshops focus on democratizing design and aesthetics and empowering people to materialize their personalities and take control over their personal spaces.
Currently, I am working on a proposal for an interactive exhibition titled “If I Whisper in Your Ear…” This exhibition features sculptures made from recycled materials paired with audio elements that convey phrases of love and defiance. The interactive component, where visitors vote for their favorite phrases, fosters community engagement and reflection on what messages resonate most with them.
I am also proud to be part of the Community Artist Program roster for the City of Dallas. Starting October 1, 2024, I will be available for free workshops for churches, community organizations, recreation centers, social service agencies, and other non-profit groups. Some of the workshops I will be offering include:
Lightcraft: Create Your Own Light Fixture
Illustrating Emotions: Abstract Art Workshop
Color Theory for Beginners
Motion Design
My Tiny Home
Object Creation Workshop
What excites me most about my work is the constant evolution and the opportunity to inspire others through creativity and innovation. I believe in the power of art to transform spaces and lives, and I strive to create work that beautifies, engages, and empowers the community. My goal is to continue exploring new mediums, sharing my knowledge, and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Dallas.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Empathy has been central to my work and my approach to design. Whether I was working with children through the Micah Project or other church groups or designing homes that reflect my clients’ identities and needs, understanding and connecting with people on a deep level has been crucial. My work with vulnerable communities taught me the importance of designing spaces that are not just functional but also nurturing and reflective of the human experience. For anyone starting their journey, I would advise immersing themselves in diverse environments and genuinely listening to people’s stories and needs. Empathy will not only enhance your art but will also foster meaningful connections.

2. Resilience has been a critical driver in overcoming challenges and pursuing my goals. From my early volunteer experiences in Tegucigalpa to leading architectural projects, co-founding Redlemon in Honduras, and moving across the world, I’ve faced numerous obstacles that required perseverance and adaptability. Architecture and design can be demanding and hugely male-dominated fields, so as a woman, you must be sure of who you are and what you bring to the table. I often had to push myself to believe in myself because society isn’t kind to us; as young creatives with different ideals and work ethics, we need to be confident in our thoughts and not let anyone crush our spirit.
As I struggled to pay my college bills and was unable to graduate because of lack of funds, I was told several times to give up, but I never believed I wouldn’t be able to succeed. Failing was never an option for me. I encourage newcomers to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Building resilience will help you navigate your career’s inevitable ups and downs and keep pushing forward.

3. I’ve always been outgoing and social, but with time, I’ve realized how important it is to foster genuine relationships. For those starting, I recommend, as cliché as it sounds, focusing on networking not for immediate gains but for long-term growth. Remember, people want to work with people that they like. You can have fundamental skills and talent, but your character and how you conduct yourself are just as necessary: be kind and authentic. Relationships built on trust and mutual respect can lead to invaluable collaborations and career advancements.

Advice for Early Career Development: For those early in their journey, I suggest:
• Immerse yourself in your community: Volunteer, engage in social projects, and understand the local context of your work. This will enhance your empathy and design relevance.
• Stay resilient: Accept that failure is part of the learning process. Use setbacks as stepping stones and learning opportunities to build a stronger foundation for your future.
• Cultivate relationships: Network actively but genuinely. Seek mentors, collaborators, and clients who share your values and vision.
These qualities and skills have helped me in my professional endeavors and shaped my philosophy of design and art to improve quality of life and foster community connections.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the last year, I have grown as an artist through two mediums that have challenged my creative outlet. Earlier this year, I learned the basics of woodworking. I already had designed countless custom pieces of furniture, and now I could visualize in micro detail what joints I could use and how the assemblage of a piece could be part of the conceptualization of it and even inform and enrich the piece itself. Then I started using clay, and my life may have changed. For Galentine’s Day, friends decided to meet at a random pottery studio to hand-build clay; I had always been curious but never had the chance to learn. So, I was not too fond of the process at this two-hour workshop, felt pressed for time, and didn’t understand the clay. Still, I needed to learn more, so I enrolled in a community college ceramics class, and a world of possibilities opened up. This was the first time I discovered a material that felt alive, learning its stages of workability and daydreaming of the things I would be able to do. It has been a challenge and humbled me because even when I think I’ve done things right, the kiln doesn’t agree, cracks show up, and elements fall off. Then the glaze comes into play, where the kiln gods genuinely decide the fate, and we think we will get two shades of color, and one color chooses to take over. It has helped me manage my expectations and enjoy the process.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Personal photograph credit to: Marco Martinez @marcosinpolo @lepublicistt

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