Who are you and what do you do?

Sonja Hamilton, SWA (the initials mean that I am a signature member of the Society of Western Artists, having exhibited widely and won awards). I am a watercolorist and veteran watercolor teacher working for Placer School for Adults in Auburn plus my various workshops, previously in Yosemite National Park and in Europe for French Escapade Travel Company. I authored a book – “Watercolor, It’s only a piece of paper”, which is a valuable reference book and can be found at Auburn Old Town Gallery. My work is done on location, in the classroom (demonstrations) and in my studio in North Auburn. I like to think my art is “painterly” with soft and hard edges, and always interesting to the viewer.

Why do you do what you do?

I love painting watercolor. I am a realist. It’s a challenge no matter how long you are at it and always is a mystery. It also is easy to work with considering it takes little time to dry and small space to store unless you are like I am and paint between 70 – 100 paintings a year! So the paintings you see at the gallery are a drop in the bucket (aka, filled flat file drawers in my studio) of what I do.

What themes do you pursue?

Years ago, people thought I only painted landscapes. Flowers were added. And that was it. However I wanted to be known as an artist who can do a little of everything.  I now paint many subjects such as people, animals, food, abstracts, seascapes, still life and more.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

My gift of art was inherited from my father, whom I lost at age 15. I vowed at that time to do something with my art, which led me to an art degree as well as a degree in teaching. I never regretted my choices and have always felt blessed to be able to do what I do.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Really? Well, I also have been an art judge for small and large exhibits. I do lectures and demonstrations. This has been my life besides raising a family. Who has time for more? Not me.

What are your hobbies?

I love gardening and cooking. My art comes out in the plants and flowers I select; something is always blooming in my garden. And when I plate food – it is colorful and looks appetizing. See – art is with me all the time. Come on by the gallery and take a look!

Who are you and what do you do?

Shoshana Bilunos and I am a ceramic artist. Most all of my ceramic work is glazed in crystalline glazes. It is an ancient Japanese glaze technique that was being lost in the ceramic world. So the past 7 years have focused mainly on perfecting this technique.

Why do you do what you do?

Working in clay has always been a passion. I love the feel and the texture of the clay. The challenge of making vessels that will allow crystals to grow fascinates me. Working in clay has been therapeutic and relieves stress in my life.

What themes do you pursue?

I’m not sure about a specific theme in my work. Vases seem to be a form that will produce the best crystals. I am always trying different forms and surfaces that will produce crystals, but crystalline glaze runs off of the surface easily. Global shapes seem to capture the crystals best rather than a flat surface.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

In 2010 I was forced to give up my professional life because of health issues. I was angry because I wasn’t ready to give up my professional career. That is when I realized that clay was a good way for me to channel my frustration and energy.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

My professional life was dedicated to helping patients and families cope with life threatening illness. I spent many years as a medical social worker on the oncology floors in local hospitals to working hospice. My last professional years, I had a private practice working with adults and adolescents.

What are your hobbies?

I love doing projects around my house, traveling and motorcycle touring.