bio/cv

Sonia was born in Richland, Washington and raised in Vacaville California. She attended Solano Community College to complete her Associates Degree and transfer to a University. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Art Practice in 2008 with highest honors. During her time at Cal she took on painting as a new focus. Ms. McNally was nominated and awarded an honor studio in 2007, a privilege only 8 students out of the entire Art Practice department are awarded. She received the Certificate of Excellence in painting for her 2008 graduating class. Although she has been an artist since the age of 8, she has been painting since 2006. In her spare time she enjoys travel, food, nature, and disc golf.

-Graduated with Highest Honors
-Awarded Honors Studio
-Recognized with Certificate of Excellence in Painting

My work is driven by observing my environment piece by piece and reflecting commonalities inherent between even the most disparate of associations. I create landscapes that recognize moments of naturally occurring patterns that are symmetrical and repetitive, yet incongruous. By emphasizing and contrasting imperfections in repeated imitations of shape and structure, my paintings are transformed into a playful and hypnotic whole. These imitations allow me to develop an intricate configuration using the structural similarities found in nature as well as imprints we leave behind. I create abstract interpretations with faintly recognizable traits that evoke familiar connections even though the subject inspiration may not be apparent. Ultimately, I explore the multifaceted aspects of imagery with webs, layers and depth.

As a painter, I work environmentally conscious and follow healthy practices. I practice archival techniques such as eliminating the use of destructive mineral spirits and strive to create works that are archivally sound. I am fascinated with how historical paintings have and have not endured time and the elements.

group exhibitions