Sára Somorová, a talented student of illustration at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, Slovakia, has a deep connection to nature and animals, particularly dogs. Her art reflects this bond through the mediums of watercolor, ink, and printmaking, capturing the essence and unique characteristics of her subjects. We are proud to have her participate in our exhibition ‘Stay Curious’. We had the pleasure of speaking with Sára about her artistic journey, influences, and creative process.
A Humble Beginning in a Small Town
“I was born and raised in a small town in Slovakia,” Sára begins, “where I spent a lot of time playing outside with other kids and my dogs. Our big garden was always full of things to do and explore.”
This idyllic childhood nurtured her love for drawing and nature. “I loved drawing the things I saw around me, like animals, houses, and people. Creating art made me really happy, so I decided to pursue it more seriously.” This passion led her to art classes and later to a secondary vocational school, where she honed her skills in printmaking, illustration, and design.
The Heart of Her Art: Dogs and Beyond
“Dogs are a central theme in my work, and I never tire of exploring them,” Sára explains. “For me, they are the best companions in everyday life. Their loyalty and enthusiasm for simple things like walks, food, or sticks fascinate and amuse me.” However, her love for animals extends beyond dogs, encompassing all kinds of creatures. “Drawing dogs comes naturally to me, so it’s my go-to subject when I’m not feeling particularly creative but still want to create something I enjoy.”
From Concept to Creation
Sára’s creative process is a blend of spontaneity and structure. “I’m a very visual person, so when I first get ideas, I need to draw them out to get everything on paper before deciding on the best approach,” she shares. This initial burst of creativity can be chaotic, with some pieces coming together easily and others requiring more time and revision.
“It helps to show my work to others or just take a break and not look at it for a couple of days—this is usually the best way for me to see the work with fresh eyes.”
Mastery Through Mediums
Ink and charcoal are Sára’s primary tools. “I like using ink when I sketch because its permanence means that if I make a mistake, I have to start over, which helps me focus intensely while drawing,” she says. The monotype technique is another favorite, as it forces her to commit to her ideas without overthinking.
“I like to switch between techniques, from line work to watercolors or pastels, to challenge myself to think differently.”
Evolving Through Experimentation
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Sára notes, “When I was younger, my focus was mainly on developing my technical skills.” Over time, she began to experiment with different styles and techniques, seeking new ways to express herself. Revisiting her childhood drawings recently reminded her of the pure joy and spontaneity of creating without constraints.
“Inspired by this rediscovery, I now try to infuse my art with the same sense of freedom and spontaneity I had as a child.”
A Cherished Memory in Art
One artwork that holds special meaning for Sára is a family painting of three red dogs with an apple on their heads. “It’s geometric and a bit quirky, but I love it because my parents bought it during our first vacation together. It evokes a wonderful memory.”
Influences and Inspirations
Harriet Lowther and Sally Muir are significant influences for Sára. “I admire Harriet Lowther for her line drawings of dogs, especially the way she combines them with watercolor,” she says. “Recently, I’ve also been looking at Sally Muir, who paints dogs with bold brushstrokes and a more realistic quality.” However, her greatest influences often come from those around her—classmates, teachers, and the diverse people she meets.
Overcoming Challenges
Impatience is one of Sára’s challenges. “I can be quite impatient with tasks that require a lot of planning. I prefer drawing and seeing the results right away.” This impatience shapes her approach to art, drawing her towards spontaneous and intuitive creation. However, she is working on balancing this with more careful planning and thoughtful execution.
The Essence of Companionship
Through her artwork, Sára hopes viewers see the joy that dogs bring to everyday life.
“Their enthusiasm for life’s little pleasures can remind us to notice and appreciate the small joys we might otherwise overlook,” she says.
“Their presence often helps us slow down and savor moments that might otherwise pass us by.”
Broadening Horizons
A recent exchange program in the United Kingdom marked a significant cultural shift for Sára. “Being there on my own, I had to rely entirely on my instincts and make independent decisions, and you can see this in my art,” she explains. This experience broadened her creative horizons and added a new depth to her work.
A Distinctive Style with a Bright Future
Sára’s art is distinguished by its simplicity and charm. Her graphics, which primarily depict different dogs, utilize marker lines to create images that are both straightforward and slightly childish. Despite their simplicity, each dog is imbued with a distinct character, reflecting Sára’s keen eye for detail and emotional depth. This unique style has garnered attention and praise, marking her as a talented graphic artist with a promising future.
In Sára Somorová’s art, we see the world through the eyes of an artist deeply connected to her subjects. Her journey is a testament to the joy and inspiration that nature and animals, especially dogs, bring into our lives. As she continues to evolve and experiment, we can only anticipate more captivating works that celebrate the beauty of the natural world.
Comments