I create clay and relief art to express emotions, turning feelings into form as a self taught artist rediscovering my true passion.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I’m drawn to relief and 3D textured art because it feels more real to me. There’s something special about depth you can almost touch, not just see. Calm is what I’m always chasing. I want people to slow down when they look at my work and feel something quiet and peaceful in the details. Most of what I make comes from real life, places I’ve been, moments I remember, feelings I wanted to hold onto. Art to me is about how something feels just as much as how it looks.
Where do you find inspiration?Nature, memories, and the small everyday moments that brought me happiness and calm. That’s honestly where most of my inspiration comes from. I’m drawn to anything that feels peaceful, a quiet texture, the way light hits something, or a still moment that made me stop and just breathe. Those are the things that stay with me. A lot of my work comes from places I’ve been or moments I’ve lived through. I love taking those warm, calming feelings and turning them into something you can actually see.
What would you do with $25,000?Winning this would mean the world to me. I’d use the money to set up a small art studio where anyone can walk in, create, and bring their memories to life. I’d also donate a portion to underprivileged children who dream of making art but never get the chance. Every child deserves that experience. Art has given me so much. This would be my way of passing that gift forward.
Vote for Soniya Shankhawar to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Wed 5/20 at 9PM PDT
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