Arts&Crafts
Sketching for survival
After enjoying success in a creative conservation competition, one Holywell artist is determined to turn her passion for painting into a viable business
Sonia loves to paint endangered wildlife in particular
S
onia Garner had dabbled with drawing for years, but when she was among the finalists selected from 1,000 entries across 47 countries in the ‘Sketch for Survival’ contest, she decided to take the next step and pursue her artistic dream. The competition, organised by Explorers Against Extinction, was to raise awareness of catastrophic issues including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate change. Sonia’s work was praised by the judges, which gave her the boost she needed. Now the artist, from Whitford near Holywell, is planning to open a studio, launch a new website and pursue a lifelong dream to turn her creative passion into a successful start-up. Sonia has produced hundreds of pieces over the years, from acrylic and oil paintings to sculptures and soft pastel sketches. With her strong social media following and the support of husband Mark and daughters Josephine and Kacie-Jane, she is ready to make the leap full time.
Business backing
Business Wales has been on hand with expert guidance and advice, as Sonia sets out to turn her vision into reality. She said: “I have always painted and had a natural talent for it, but it’s only ever been something I did in the background. I was very shy growing up and this was the only real way I could express myself, so it means a lot to me. I also love animals and wanted to be a vet when I was younger – painting them is the next best thing! “To be chosen among the finalists by Explorers Against Extinction has given me extra belief that I can and should be doing what I love, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” As a child, the family business saw Sonia moving home all over
the UK, attending schools from Swinton to Doncaster before settling in North Wales. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moore’s University, and then worked in manufacturing and administration, continuing to sketch and paint in her spare time. “I wanted to be an art teacher when I did my degree, but that never came to be. It dawned on me after years of working in admin roles and being a mum to young children that I was going to have regrets if I didn’t do something about it,” said Sonia. “I did put the brushes down for a while, but in the past few years I’ve been prolific, it’s been non-stop. And not just animals – I’ve painted landscapes, seascapes, portraits and more. I can cover most subjects, but I do have a huge passion for wildlife and conservation, especially animals under threat of extinction, which is why I entered the competition with the portrait of a wild dog. That will now be auctioned off for the charity, so as well as the honour of being shortlisted the piece will help the organisation as well.” Sonia is looking to give back to her community and hopes to feature in regional exhibitions before opening a studio. “I’m just going to go for it,” she said. “Turning this into a business is a difficult
“It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure but I’m excited to see where my art takes me” thing to do because creative people tend not to be commercial, but I am determined to make a viable success of this. It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure but I’m excited to see where my art takes me.” You can view and purchase Sonia’s artwork at www.sonia garnerfineart.com and follow Sonia on social media at soniagarnerartist
98 SHIRE MAGAZINE | January/February 2022
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