Artist Spotlight: Sonya Mendez

Central to the whole project of ArtWalk Santa Fe is people. The artists who bring their work to our events are the reason for our existence and the source of ArtWalk’s success. We’ve grown very fond of our artists, and so are embarking on a series of spotlight posts to shine a light on different members of our art community.

Our first featured artist spotlight is on Sonya Mendez. Sonya participated in her first ArtWalk when she was only in 7th grade, accompanied by parents but representing her artwork completely herself. She is now a freshman at Mandela International Magnet School, and recently won both a silver and a gold New Mexico Scholastic Art Awards. It has been such a pleasure to watch a young artist grow their craft and professionally present it to the world. All artwork featured in this post are by Sonya Mendez and were provided courtesy of the artist.

ArtWalk (AW): When did you start making art, and what prompted your creativity?

Sonya Mendez (SM): I’ve been doing art for as long as I can remember! Art had always been something that I liked doing, but I really started loving it until after attending the Georgia O’Keefe Art and Leadership summer program. The program introduced me to all different kinds of art…and how you can make and interpret it!

AW: What are your goals and dreams as an artist going forward?

SM: Right now, the biggest goal I have is to keep putting myself out there. Everything I’ve accomplished happened because someone pushed me out of my comfort zone to try something new. I don’t know yet what I want to do with my art as I get older, but I do know that trying new things can help me figure that out.

AW: Tell us more about your art – for example, what is your favorite medium, what styles do you like to work in, are there themes you follow?

SM: I love using watercolor paints. I’m definitively someone who’s scared of making mistakes, especially ones that can stand out a bit more when your using a bolder material like pen and pencil. When using watercolors, the mistakes I’m so afraid of making quite literally blend into each other, making the coolest patterns.

AW: Where do you most frequently create your art? Is it a dedicated space, outdoors, somewhere in your home, shared with other uses?

SM: Usually I make my art on the floor of my kitchen or living room. I don’t like to be alone when I paint, and I need the noises of my family around me to help me focus.

AW: What advice would you give to other artists that are just starting? 

SM: Advice I would give to new artists- try new things!! Take chances!! Whether that be an opportunity to show your art off somewhere, or you experimenting with a different medium/style…trying new things is what will help you figure out what you want and what you love!

AW: Do you have a most used tool or tip that other artists should know about?

SM: Koi watercolors!! [ArtWalk thinks these Koi Watercolors are pretty cool too!]

AW: What is your favorite color?

SM: My favorite color is pink! It reminds me of summer. And it’s a color I don’t use a lot when I’m making art, so I think my eyes just like being shocked when they see such an unfamiliar color.

AW: What are your thoughts on and experiences with ArtWalk and vending so far? 

SM: I love participating with ArtWalk Santa Fe!! It was one of the first experiences I had with putting myself out there, an event that made me feel not so scared about trying new things!

AW: Other than at ArtWalks, where can people find your artwork, either in person or online?

SM: You can find some of my art work on my Instagram @artbyyam_ ! And starting on 3/1 … two of my paintings will be displayed at the African American Performing Arts Center in Albuquerque.