Colour, Culture and Connection: An Artist Bringing Everyday Magic to the Canvas
- Sonali Jain
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Interview with Sonali Jain
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I’m Sonali Jain, a Leeds-based artist with roots in India and a lifelong love of creativity. Growing up in India with my grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins, I was surrounded by stories, colour, and warmth. My aunt introduced me to drawing through Indian musical instruments, and that spark never left. I won my first children’s art competition early on, followed by first place in the national Camlin contest, both of which shaped my confidence and passion for art.
After moving to the UK to study, life became busy and art slipped into the background for a while. Recently, I made the decision to return to painting full-time, drawing deeply from my Indian heritage. I create mixed-media, semi-abstract paintings inspired by everyday life, nature, and vibrant landscapes. My work is full of colour, warmth, and storytelling. Each piece invites viewers to pause, look closely, and rediscover the magic in life’s small, ordinary moments.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
My days are a blend of structure and creativity. From 9 to 5, I work in finance, supporting clients with financial advice. Then, at around 7 PM, I move into my art space, where the creative shift begins. I paint for a couple of hours and let ideas flow freely.
By 10 PM, I start winding down, often journaling, reading, or researching art. It’s a full schedule, but the balance between analytical work and artistic expression feels fulfilling and energising.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My art is deeply personal. I focus on the beauty of everyday life, the vibrancy of nature, and the stories held within different landscapes. I create semi-abstract pieces rather than literal depictions, using expressive colour, movement, and form. Viewers might see shapes and hints of scenes such as a lively market, a peaceful forest, or a glowing coastal sunset.
My inspiration comes from nature, culture, travel, and lived experiences. I want each piece to feel warm, alive, and emotionally familiar, like a memory someone forgot they had.
4. What are you working on at the moment, and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
At the moment, I’m working on two new pieces that push my exploration of abstraction and form even further:
Abstract Landscape Series: This ongoing series explores the relationship between organic shapes and imagined terrains. I’m working with layered acrylics and mixed media to create fluid, dreamlike landscapes. The latest piece includes subtle metallic accents that shift with the light, adding depth and movement.
Large-Scale Abstract Canvas: This piece is currently around 60% complete. I’m focusing on strong contrasts and luminous colour transitions to create an immersive visual experience. Both projects allow me to explore themes of emotional memory and how the environment shapes our inner world.
Upcoming & Current Exhibitions
My work is currently being exhibited internationally, and it’s exciting to see it connect with audiences across Europe and beyond. Here’s what’s happening:
Current: Mill Gallery, Leeds – Featured in a group exhibition within their contemporary rotation. It’s an intimate space that highlights texture beautifully.
Current: Arboxy Exhibition, Cologne – Part of the Unframed Dialogues group show at Arboxy, running until mid-November 2025, featuring three mixed-media works from my latest series.
Current: Art Unframed, Cologne – Overlapping with Arboxy, this experimental fair setting includes Fractured Horizons (2024, oil on canvas), focusing on the idea of breaking traditional “frames” in both concept and display.
Upcoming: Art Bar, Grenada – A curated art space at the heart of Grenada, known for blending contemporary art, culture, and community. My work will be featured in an upcoming exhibition that celebrates global artistic voices.
Website : https://sonalijainartist.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/artbysonijain/
