INTERVIEWS
Welcome to the mesmerising world of Sophia Gunkel - an artist who explores the intersection between her dreams and reality. Experimenting with different mediums her abstract works are snapshots of her subconscious and have earned her the prestigious Certificate of Artistic Achievement in the 2022 Luxembourg Art Prize.
In this edition of BILDA interviews, we will be speaking with Sophia about her work, what it’s like being a creative entrepreneur, and some practical tips on how to get into it all.
Sophia Gunkel (b. 1990, Germany)
No small talk - you can listen to one artist or band for the rest of your life who’s it gonna be?
Uff! That’s a difficult one. I’m a person who listens to everyone and everything. I’m also the type who’ll find a song, and then rinse and repeat it for the next five years. So perhaps I’ll share that song for me right now. ‘Drive’ by Riopy. It sounds like life to me - you can hear all parts of it. There’s passion, fear, hope, love, growth, and everything in between. I hear something new every time I listen to it. Makes you want to smile and cry at the same time (and learn piano).
How did you figure out you wanted to be an artist?
I’ve always painted but never considered doing it professionally for a long time. I started my career in real estate and retail, which I enjoyed but there came a point in my mid-20s where I wanted more from my life. I asked myself if I could do anything, what would it be? The answer was easy- paint.
So, I saved some money, took a leap of faith and set up my art business. Pretty crazy if I think back on it but I remember thinking if not now, when?
UNDER THE SEA III
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
My dreams. The construct of the unconscious mind has always fascinated me. I’ve been a vivid dreamer all of my life - a superpower and a curse.
Painting has become my medium of expression. It allows me to manifest the sensations that emerge from my dreams into a physical composition. I’m interested in exploring the blurry boundary between the conscious and subconscious being; to give shape to the intangible through my art.
How have you built confidence as an artist?
There are times where it can get really tough, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting. So confidence is something that comes and goes. Painting as much as I can helps me improve. I’ve also found writing and reflecting really useful. It’s a good way of checking in with yourself and seeing how far you’ve actually come.
Last but not least, I’m blessed with a loving and supportive circle of people who believe in me and my vision, this helps immensely.
How do you get over creative blocks?
Listening to music while sitting in a bus or train (with no particular destination in mind) does wonders for me.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a creative entrepreneur?
It can get quite lonely. You have to learn how to wear many different hats at the same time but enjoying what you do makes it all worth it.
What’s a practical business tip you would give to a new artist starting out?
Get an accountant. Invest in a good one too, they’ll make your life so much easier and free up a lot of your time.
A BRIEF MOMENT
Tell us about your current venture(s)?
I’ve been focusing on creating a lot recently. I’m working on my technique, experimenting with sizes of canvas, and also getting back into figure drawing. I’m curious to see how this influences my work in the coming months. I paint mostly abstract but I’m toying with the idea of including some more figurative aspects in my work.
I’ve also started writing a bi-weekly newsletter, where I share in-depth on my artistic practice and inspiration. It’s been a real challenge, as writing about my work hasn’t always come easy to me but it’s giving me a lot of insight. Also the positive response from my readers has been really rewarding and motivating.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to do what I love, giving back, and inspiring others.
A dream collab you’d love to land?
I’d love to be part of creating an immersive experience. Something like what teamLab have done in the Art and Science Museum Singapore but with a focus on the neuroscience of sleep and dreams.
Are there any artists, small businesses, brands, or founders we should check out?
ABOUT BILDA
Meltem Acik
Founder, BILDA
You know that feeling when you’re like “wait, what am I doing with my life?” - well, BILDA is on a mission to help you figure it out. Through carefully-selected design tools to help you get unstuck, be creative, and see things differently. No boring self-help books or existential Googling here. BILDA gives you a way to get out of your head, and into the world.
Our very first product is the Discover Kit, a deck of 24 method cards to help you learn more about yourself, what you want, and how to get there. You can do it solo, with a friend or partner, maybe colleagues if you like them, and neighbours if you know them.
BILDA wants to help you build a life and business YOU want to live.
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