New member of the Arkansas Craft Guild is from Hot Springs, Sonja Crawford Parnell. She received her BS in Art Education from Henderson State University. Her first outing as a Guild member will be at the 45th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase Dec. 1-3, 2023.
"My earliest memories include the insatiable need to create. Drawing, cutting, painting, and gluing were among my favorite childhood pastimes. As I became older drawing and sketching filled my class notes, as well as my extra time. In college I discovered a true passion for painting and it became something I had to master. I’ve worked in a number of media over the years, but my latest love is watercolor. And I simply can’t get enough of the beautiful, wild nature of this medium."
"Most of my current work is based on the natural world and the beauty found within. Each leaf, flower, and stem, the color of the evening sky, the pattern within the tree trunk all inspire awe and wonder within my soul. It is that wonder that brings the images to life. I have reveled in exploring wide ranges of pigments and many brands of paint, discovering the most suitable for my creations. I believe art is the expression of emotion from within our souls, and I strive in every piece to share the joy of my soul with the viewer." To see more photos of her work visit her page her at our website.
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