Jessica Sonnenthal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of my work, reading is giving me a lot of joy. I have an obscene amount of books by my bed and trust me, I will get through them all. Historical fiction is my favorite but I read an array of different types of books. I love getting lost in a story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a self taught artist. I was never formally trained but I took classes here and there as I got older. My medium is oil on canvas and I love painting what I see. I usually take photos wherever I go. Images that inspire me throughout the day so I can paint them and capture it on my canvas. I have many clients that ask me to paint a special place for them. It could be their garden or favorite spot they used to go to as a child with their family. I love bringing memories to life again and I feel so blessed that I can do that for so many people.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was 17 I had just finished one of my biggest most challenging pieces at the time. It was of an ocean when the sun is just about to go down. The light hit the waves in the most magnificent colors. I didn’t want to show anyone the piece until it was completely finished. When I was done, the first person I showed it to was my mom. I still remember the look on her face. She started crying and just hugged me. I felt powerful in that moment.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I didn’t almost give up, I gave up! I have had periods in my life that I just stopped painting. Sometimes I just needed a break and other times I just felt defeated and needed a reset but art has always found its way back to me or maybe I alwasy found my way back to art.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely the real version of me. What you see is what you get. As I have gotten older I have really learned that there is no space for anything or anyone that doesn’t align with your true self. I want people around me that are authentic and real and that is something that I value in myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I think I would regret not traveling enough. I definitely want to see more of the world but haven’t given myself the opportunity to do that but I am working on it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmona.art
- Instagram: jmona.art
