About Sonja Saxvik
Artist Statement
I am an Interdisciplinary artist. I draw inspiration from nature and I am particularly drawn to how unnatural nature can appear, particularly in colour and reflections. I am always on the lookout for patterns and contrast in the landscape which influence my photography and my paintings.
Mythology has played a large role in much of my work and is seen in particular in my film and installation work. Baubo, filmed in 1996 is a short film celebrating the myth of the Dirty Belly Goddess whose gift is the revolutionary power of laughter. Other film work has drawn on iconic imagery to provide access and inclusion, we are all connected, and we all belong.
My work continues to evolve and expand while maintaining strong roots in myth, exploration and connection.
I traveled to Spain in 2019 exploring the rich diversity of Andalusia, La Mancha and Catalonia. I was fortunate to be an artist in residence at Centre d'Art i Natura de Farerra in the beautiful Pyrenees. I had previously immersed myself in another art/nature residency at the Art and Wilderness Retreat Flinders Island Tasmania. I hope to continue to travel and work in nature around Australia and the World.
CV
Studies:
1996- Diploma of Art and Design. West Australian School of Art and Design TAFE
1998- Bachelor Degree Visual Arts. University of Western Sydney
2003- Bachelor Degree of Education (Primary) University of Western Sydney
Recent Exhibitions/Prizes/ Residency:
2014- 2nd Prize Gulgong Art Competition and Exhibition. Gulgong NSW
2015- Co-Version. Group exhibition with Adrian Symes. Atlelier Gallery Katoomba NSW Australia
2016- Arts Open Festival Group Exhibiton with 26 other artists @ Old Castlemaine Gaol. Castlemaine VIC
2016- Vagabondage. Solo Exhibition @ CASPA Castlemaine VIC
2016- Vaga Da Point. Solo Exhibition@ Rivadestra Darlington Point NSW
2016- Artist in Residence Mountain Seas Flinders Island Australia
2016- Travel Log- solo exhibition Garutes Café Kathmandu Nepal
2017- Garden of Earthly Delights Festival Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens. NSW Australia
2019-Old Saw. Solo exhibition @ Gallery 188 Katoomba NSW
2019-Artist in Residence Centre d'Art i Natura de Farrera Spain