Impossible Things with Sonsational Creations Artist SONJA HOWARD

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Not only is she STEAMsational, she's the force behind Sonsational Creations! Explore the intersection of creativity and STEM with Sonja Howard! Learn about the journey of this autistic young artist into a world of crafting fantastical creatures. I first met Sonja in the studios of Wētā Workshop in New Zealand, where she was painstakingly crafting a new hatch of Floofs! I was immediately captivated by her "villain origin story" and knew I had to share her magic with you. Join us on an episode that explores the intersection of STEM and art on a quest for creating impossible things.
Sonja grew up in the Australian rainforest where her imagination was set alight by the weird and wonderful creatures around her. As an autistic child, she was intensely passionate about her interests and relentless in her curiosity. This led to many adventures - and a few misadventures. Thankfully, she was encouraged by local artists and her family to follow this curiosity. Soon enough, she was creating her own weird and wonderful creatures.

​Sonja began selling her artwork at age eight at the local markets, and had her work first exhibited in local galleries during high school. Before long, she had opened an online store. Her creatures have landed all over the world, and are featured in places like Wētā Workshop Unleashed.

​In 2020, Sonja moved to New Zealand. As well as creating her own artwork, she is an artist in the NZ film industry working on various productions. Her debut solo exhibition, Impossible Things, launched in January 2022. She is currently working as a stage artist at Wētā Workshop.

​Sonja is passionate about the environment, and queer and disability advocacy. Through her work, she hopes to promote a more sustainable and equitable society. Her exhibitions prioritise physical and sensory accessibility.

As well as being autistic, Sonja has synesthesia (a condition where her brain interprets sounds, letters, and numbers as colours.) These differences have helped her throughout her life, allowing her to look at the world in different ways, and driving her passion for creativity and equality.
You can learn more about Sonja Howard at Sonsational Creations. And follow her online @SonsationalCreations.

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

章

1. Impossible Things with Sonsational Creations Artist SONJA HOWARD (00:00:00)

2. Origin Story (00:01:06)

3. Autism and the Arts (00:03:43)

4. Creature Inspiration (00:05:44)

5. Nature And Science as Creative Spark (00:09:02)

6. Channeling the Arts into Making for a Career (00:09:58)

7. Harnessing a Passion for Monsters -- Or Any Other Calling (00:11:43)

8. Working on a First Novel (00:12:27)

9. Building Connections Between Fantasy, STEM, and Science -- Ideas for Classrooms (00:13:44)

10. Future Aspirations (00:15:13)