We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Barcelona and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a songwriter and performer, I think risk taking plays a large role in my career. I started writing songs and sharing them in public just because friends pushed me. Looking back at where I started, if it wasn’t for them and for a certain amount of drive to get better, I don’t think I’d be where I am. It takes a bit of bravery to share art with the world, especially if you’re art comes from a vulnerable place.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I don’t think I’m too different from other people. I’d say that everyone has an aptitude for something, it’s whether they decide to foster that talent that starts an artistic journey. Because I decided to engage in new talents that I was unaware of, life led me to where I am now–which is a full-time artist. I’ve never been great at having a boss but I think it’s because I wasn’t truly engaged in the work I was doing. When I found art, it engaged me so completely that I forgot about anything else. I think it’s been a transformative path for me since it’s the scariest thing I could think of pursuing. It’s in the act of creating something that I forget my fears, and that’s a great place to be in. Photography and music just happen to be the creative ways I enjoy being lost in currently, it could be cooking or skydiving in the next 10 years lol. When I first began creating I never thought of having an impact on others. It seems it’s an inevitable thing as you live life completely engaged in whatever you do. What I hope for myself is what I hope others can find in themselves. There might be challenges but it’s worth it, especially if it’s for the creation of your own path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places in LA are the places where I can people watch. I love beaches so Santa Monica Pier, Long Beach, and Venice Beach are some of my favorite spots. I love the ocean and I love seeing people enjoy themselves with the water. I find it so interesting to watch people and guess what their stories are and where they came from. It’s so much diversity in a beautiful setting. I know I’ve listed off some of the most tourist spots but I guess I’m a ham for that vibe lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started doing music and photography at the same time in 2013. That’s where I met the Vegas community and the open mic scene. I can’t thank the Vegas music community enough for supporting my endeavors. That’s where I also met my boyfriend Cam, who is also a musician. If it wasn’t for the support of my friends and family, I wouldn’t be where I am. Because I began art later in my life, around 20 years old, it was very important to have such an encouraging community around me. Sometimes you have to have others believe in you first so that you can see it in yourself.

Website: https://www.artofsonia.com

Instagram: @artofsonia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofsonia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/soniabarcelona

Image Credits
First photo with me in lighting earrings: Enrique Malfavon Green photo with mirror reflection: Norma Jean Ortega Other photos are from myself

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