Artist Profile - Sonia Bela, Photographer

 Sonia Bela by local photographer Dita Kubin

We sell your hand made photo cards here at General 54. What else do you create with photography?

I create hand made magnets and am currently producing t-shirts and posters.

 

Where else can we see your work, (online, or in person)?

For the present, you can see it on my Sonia Bela website.

Do you find it hard to be a working photographer in Montreal? Do you have to do a lot of commercial work to stay afloat?

 Montreal is a very good place to be an artist. There is something magical and indefinable in the air, so its great for creativity and people are open minded about art. Now, as a photographer, I do a lot of different commercial contracts, mainly for e-commerce.

Who is your favorite Montreal designer/ artist/ crafter?

I don't have a favorite Montreal artist or designer, I think there are many talented artists that have inspired me and they all provide something unique and special. What I am looking for from art is to feel the emotion and the universal and spiritual message of the person who creates it.

Is your photography inspired more by external sources or internal ideas?

More by internal ideas. It's all about emotions and the instant, moment. I try to capture the magic moment with the "click" and my eye! 

What is your favorite music to listen to while working?

I am very eclectic (world music, afro beats, reggea, soul, jazz), and my playlist has [everything] from Manu Dibango, The Doors, Fela Kuti, Nina Simone, to Selah Sue, Samia Farah, Sade.

What are your major goals for 2012?

Producing good things to make people happy!