SONJA COOK Arts

“I would like to think I have helped bring some of the local artists’ stories to the public light with my films and my time working at Art in Bloom Gallery. My latest film, Karen Crouch Believing in the Process, was accepted into local film festivals: Cucalorus and the North Carolina Film Festival as well as quite a few international film festivals. I am honored to have worked with local artists Karen Crouch and Jessie Robertson on this film that we created for Art in Bloom Gallery.”

What’s a future goal?

“I dream of being a director of a feature film or episodic. I love being on film sets; there is a certain magic that exists there.”

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I provide a space that removes common barriers to creating art and doit-yourself (DIY) projects that people see. … My studio makes it easy for anyone to unleash their inner artist and try DIY. I provide the supplies, tools, specialty equipment, assistance, and the cleanup that often prevents people from acting on their ideas.”

Where do you draw your inspiration?

“My inspiration comes from many places: God, and the opportunities he places on my heart to explore; my family, and their ideas or personal challenges they encounter; and my community, and the ups and downs I see in the day-today.”

What’s a future goal?

“Given the current statistics of mental health in our youth and young adults, I’m praying about what it might look like to offer my studio up in ways that foster a safer alternative in handling and working through their struggles.”