The Red Brick Café in downtown Guelph began showcasing paintings by Canadian artist, Sona Mincoff, on Friday, Nov. 29.
What initially began as an interview quickly became a conversation with the artist whose work with oil and pastels has been featured in galleries across Canada.
Joined by friends Jennifer O’Brien, David J. Knight, Liz Snyder, and Elly Gray, Mincoff spent time discussing her ideas and opinions on her work, the University of Guelph’s nightlife, and her experiences in school.
“I think that everyone has an inner vision, and you just sort of try to get it out,” explained Mincoff of her method. “For me, it’s pretty personal, but every artist has their own agenda. They’re different people, and they have their own vision.”
Mincoff began painting in high school, and remained self-taught until studying art at the University of Guelph.
“[Art] just felt like something I should know how to do,” said Mincoff. “It felt like I knew how to do it, but I [also] didn’t know how to do it. I put down my paints many times…now I’m really serious, and I’m trying to be more serious about it.”
Mincoff occupied a small table at the back of the popular coffee shop, while her art covered the walls. Patrons interested in asking questions were directed to her table by the baristas at the cashier’s desk. The evening was largely informal, with Mincoff joking with friends and strangers alike.
On her name, Mincoff remarked that it grew on her.
“It’s great having an unusual name,” explained Mincoff. “I used to really begrudge it. When you have an unusual name, it really sets you apart.”
Mincoff discussed the importance for artists to market themselves, in addition to creating their own work.
“You kinda have to play the game; you know, go to galleries,” struggled Mincoff.
If Mincoff was unable to complete a thought during the evening, friends would help by filling the blanks.
“Playing the game is about networking [with people], talking to gallery owners, really marketing yourself,” continued author David J. Knight. “You have to sell yourself to people.”
Though her artwork utilizes nature, Mincoff doesn’t adhere to a particular style of painting. Instead, she uses her work to grasp images that compose the semi-conscious.
“I don’t really think my style [is] my own,” began Mincoff. “It takes doing things over and over again to understand how it works or how to do it.”
On the topic of studying in the city of Guelph, Mincoff joked about trying to leave, but constantly getting pulled back.
“When I was at [university], there were four bars [on campus],” said Mincoff. “Nobody ever used to come downtown, except to go to the Albion [Hotel]. I remember when the last time the Blue Jays won the World Series, there were wall-to-wall people there. I was like a huge party – that’s kind of like what downtown Guelph is on a Saturday night now.”
The conversation flowed and took natural turns, settling on topics at the whims of the group.
On the topic of bullying, Mincoff discussed her personal history with casual aplomb.
“Yeah, I was bullied,” began Mincoff. “When I was in grade seven, for some reason these grade eight girls and guys decided to pick on me…it was so traumatizing. There was no reason; there was nothing wrong with me. I asked my friends if there was something [wrong], but there wasn’t and [these children] just picked on me. I think one time I had my fly down or something.”
Mincoff’s only qualm with the evening was the lighting in the café.
“It’s kinda more dark in [the room],” said Mincoff. “My paintings aren’t terribly bright.”
Despite the dim lighting fixtures meant to evoke intimacy, Mincoff’s style, layering, and expert use of colour were easy to see.
Sona Mincoff’s paintings will be featured in the Red Brick Café until Dec. 29, 2013.