Sonja creates vessels and plaques using stoneware and earthenware clays, decorated with coloured slips or glazes. She also makes stoneware and porcelain birds.
Her vases, bowls and wall plaques are coil built or thrown and are painted, incised or sprigged. Each piece is individually made, and fired in an electric kiln. They are inspired by and drawn from plants, trees, animals, birds and insects.
Childhood memories and narratives are captured in these vessels as well as incidents from recent travels.
“I love ancient and modern Chinese, Japanese and Korean ceramics and the work of Lucie Rie, Picasso’s ceramics and modern British sculptors such as Henry Moore and land artists such as Andy Goldsworthy. I like the thought of people using my pieces, for example placing flowers in a vase or eating from a bowl.”
After completing a BA in Ceramics, Sonja continued making and exhibiting her work as well as teaching in the community, building many years’ experience. Her interest in Art Therapy led her to studying the subject and gaining practical skills at MA level. She currently works in a school giving Art Expression sessions to young people, and teaches mosaic techniques and ceramics to adults and children including those with special needs.