Hartford-born and Manchester-based artist Sonyetta Strickland.
“Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.” — Oprah Winfrey
By Tricia Haggerty Wenz
Hartford-grown and Manchester-based artist Sonyetta Strickland is no stranger to Hartford Public Library, and we’re thrilled to have her exhibit “Illuminating Sunshine” on display on the third floor of the Downtown Library through April 3. If you’d like to meet Sonyetta, please stop by the library (500 Main St.) on Saturday, March 19th, between 2-4 p.m.
Illuminating Sunshine, I love this title. How did you choose it?
“I’ve been called sunshine forever and my mom always says I look like there is a halo around my head. She would tell me there is something about you — I dress bright colors and I think my art is illuminating it draws attention. I love to work with colors.”
You work in mixed media.
“I like adding things with my works — if it seems impossible that it could be done, I’m like, lets just try and it and see — I am determined to show it can be done.
My themes and creative pieces developed due to attending several African events. Getting to see a true event within the African culture started me on a new path with my art. Weddings, death, birth, unity, family, history, beautiful costumes, wonderful foods are all represented in my art.”
An example of Sonyetta Strickland’s work on display in the glass cases on the third floor of the Downtown Library.
Favorite medium?
“I love printmaking and ceramics. I like painting but I feel I can really get deep in the work and come out what I want when I am sculpting.”
Do you remember the moment when you knew you were an artist?
“I have twin brothers Bruce and Brian and we always had super hero comic books and we would tape the images on our walls. One day we asked our mom if we could draw them on our wall and she said yes. Together we drew the characters — Batman, Superman, Captain America — it looked like exactly like what we imagined them. My life as an artist began then.”
An example of Sonyetta Strickland’s work on display in the glass cases on the third floor of the Downtown Library.
Tell me about this exhibit at the library.
At first, I was overwhelmed by the amount of cases for the exhibit but then I realized I have a lot of work I can share. My pieces are powerful. My art got me over many hurdles, trying times, such as getting me through breast cancer. My art represents woman and our style and technique — our struggles and our power.
An example of Sonyetta Strickland’s work on display in the glass cases on the third floor of the Downtown Library.
You have had a long history with the library.
At one time in my life, I became fascinating with beehives and the library became an important resource for me. I found out all I could on beehives and that research inspired my artwork. And most recently meeting [HPL Education & Community Outreach Manager] Jasmin Agosto on Barbour Street has led to this exhibit.
What do you hope for everyone that experiences your art?
I hope the viewer feels as excited as I do when viewing this exhibit. Because no two people think alike, I want everyone to form their own opinions of my work.
