MY STORY
I hold a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where my fascination with mythology, fairy tales and the ways we use stories to understand ourselves became an enduring influence on my visual work.
Alongside my personal artwork, I create bespoke illustrations and commissioned pieces for private collectors, businesses and cultural projects. Previous collaborations have included three-Michelin-star chef Kevin Fehling, two-Michelin star Chef Dennis Iles and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Living and working on Lake Como has opened a new chapter in my work. The history, architecture, gardens and extraordinary villas surrounding the lake have become an increasing source of inspiration, both for my paintings and for the bespoke work I create for private clients, weddings, events and hospitality. I am passionate about the history of places and people and love to tell the stories of others.
I'm Sonja!
I’m an artist, illustrator and calligrapher based on Lake Como, Italy.
At the heart of my work is storytelling. I create richly detailed, often intricately framed pieces that combine painting, illustration and symbolism, drawing inspiration from literature, folklore, nature, place and the small details that give a story its meaning.
In 2024, I exhibited Frames of Reference at the 60th Venice Biennale as a guest artist within the Cameroon Pavilion. The autobiographical work brought together many of the threads that have shaped my practice: identity, migration, motherhood, belonging and the idea of seeing our lives through different frames of reference.
My path to becoming an artist has been anything but linear. I grew up in Florida and have lived in Europe for more than twenty years, including Heidelberg, Munich and London before making my home on Lake Como. I speak English, German and Italian, and a bit of Spanish reflecting a life lived between different countries, cultures and ways of seeing the world.
Whether I am painting, illustrating or working with calligraphy, I am interested in creating something that feels personal and considered. I believe details make the difference so I love to create something made slowly by hand and filled with details that invite the beholder to take a closer look.
So, have
a look around,
and if you have a story or an idea
you’d like me
to bring to life,
I’d love to
hear about it.