**[Sonia Ortega](https://www.cohart.com/soniasolana/profile)** is a multidisciplinary artist whose work reflects her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. Born to Cuban and Mexican parents and raised in Indonesia, Sonia’s art explores themes of identity, cultural fluidity, and the influence of diverse environments. Her creations are deeply personal, shaped by the unique blend of cultures she has navigated throughout her life.

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##### What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your journey?

I grew up in Indonesia to parents of Mexican and Cuban descent. That cross-culture upbringing deeply inspired my style as an artist and its uniqueness. 

I never pursued art as a profession in the traditional sense. I didn’t go to art school and never considered myself a talented artist, but I grew up in a pretty creative home. My dad is an amazing artist as well as my brother and sister. I have early childhood memories of my dad seating us around the table and grabbing our favorite toy to have a still life drawing lesson. I remember going to museums as a child and falling in love with Van Gogh’s _Starry Night_. It’s funny now, looking at my work, the lines and swirls, you can see that early Van Gogh inspiration. 

I really didn’t start to pursue art until 2019 during Covid-19. Before then, I doodled here and there but it was more of a therapeutic release. During the pandemic, like everyone else, I was at home with a lot of time on my hands, dabbling in hobbies. Doodling became more than just therapy, soothing the anxiety from the pandemic; it became a tool to express feelings and thoughts. During this time, I was able to participate in my first group show at a gallery in New York, and that fire in me to create was ignited. I haven’t looked back since.

##### What is your favorite medium to work with, and why does it resonate with you?

In all of my work I use Sakura white ink gel pens as well as acrylic paint. Using pens allows me so much control over all of the fine lines I create. I usually have an audio book on while I work. Having a pen and freehanding each piece is such a natural feeling to me.

##### What role does research play in your artistic process? Do you have a specific method for gathering inspiration?

A lot of my work is based on a feeling I had at that moment, or an idea I had on how to capture a specific feeling. During Covid-19, a lot of my work was the feeling of chaos and how something as simple as breathing became so sacred. I read a lot and oftentimes what I am reading inspires what I create. I was on a sci-fi binge recently and a lot of my work at that time reflected that feeling of vastness and other-worldly.  

##### How has your artistic vision evolved over time, and where do you see it heading in the future?

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be an artist. I went from creating on poster paper to now doing large pieces on canvases. Creating is such a calming process for me, and I want to continue to make pieces that give that same energy to those who view it, that challenge me and stretch my boundaries as an artist.

##### How do you stay motivated and inspired during creative blocks or challenging times?

During times when I am experiencing creative blocks, I have learned to just rest. A lot of my work is inspired by a feeling or experience; I have learned I can't force it and sometimes taking a step back and resting is crucial. I am always reading; sometimes I read something that sparks an idea, and it gets the creativity rolling again. I also turn to my community, whether it is family, close friends, or fellow artists. Being able to talk through ideas is so important in my process.

##### How do you balance commercial aspects of being an artist with your creative vision?

There is definitely a learning curve. It has taken time but I have learned that turning down some commercial opportunities to maintain my truth is very important to me. I used to do a lot of commission pieces early on if that meant making a sale, but it almost grated against my senses to create something that was not wholly orchestrated by me, if that makes sense. 

Other than using a stencil for shapes such as circles in my work, everything is freehanded and it has become a process that just naturally flows through me, so keeping that process as true and authentic to that moment is sacred. As I grow as an artist that balancing definitely becomes trickier to manage.

##### Does technology play a role in your art-making process?

I haven’t ventured too much into utilizing technology into my work, but I am always amazed at the resources that are out there. One of my goals in 2025 is to start creating my doodles in a digital format. I think there is an entirely untouched market for me if I take that leap.

##### Are there any upcoming projects that you're particularly excited about (ex. a new artwork, a show, a creative project)?

In 2024, I really took a break from shows and projects to just focus on what I wanted to make. I felt like I really needed to just work on expanding my knowledge and challenge myself with creating works that extended my ability. As I look into 2025, I feel ready to start showing again. I have several new pieces ready and others close to being completed. Right now a lot of my work is focused on my childhood and growing up overseas, and I am excited to tap more into the feelings that surround those moments.

##### How do you approach the concept of success or failure in your art practice?

As a self-taught artist with no formal training, I will be the first to tell you that every single day I struggle with imposter syndrome, so I don’t know if I have it figured out yet. I have learned that failure just means a rerouting of opportunity, but even then, it still stings. On the flip side, success can come in so many forms. To me, I feel the greatest accomplishment when a connection is made between a piece I have created and an individual.

##### What advice would you give to emerging artists or other artist peers trying to find their voice in the art world?

As an emerging artist myself I am still learning a lot. But I think leaning into your uniqueness is so important. Find what makes your work unique and run with that. Finding an artist community, whether it is local or online, is also important. When I am questioning an idea or need guidance on a creative direction, I know I can lean on that artist community to give me their professional opinion.

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Sonia Ortega is a multidisciplinary artist using freehand lines and cultural influences to explore identity and self-expression.

Spotlight: Sonia Ortega on Finding Calm in Freehand Lines

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