The Artist

My name is Sonia Elphick. I am 52 and an art enthusiast. I am currently living, painting and working in the South West of Western Australia. I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

I also have a very talented and generous partner Simon and 3 tolerant teenage kids. We’re all living together on Caves Road, in Quindalup. Fortunately my family are tolerant and supportive of my pursuit for an artistic adventure.

After my schooling ended and a long hiatus, working and travelling overseas, I returned home to study and chose a Bachelor of Art (Visual) from ECU (Bunbury 2003).

It was through this Visual Arts degree I rediscovered my love for drawing and painting. In particular – faces and bodies.

Unfortunately, my painting has been overshadowed, by time, family and health concerns. But now, I am working again, focusing my attention on Acrylic painting. Acrylic paints are my ‘weapon of choice’ being less toxic than oil paint and associated mediums. I currently have 6 monthly (ocrelizumab) infusions for MS and prefer to reduce my exposure to further chemicals.  I am immunocompromised.

I enjoy painting. I find painting calming and rewarding when successful. It can be invigorating when sighting the thick, strong brushstrokes and vibrant colours. I am fuelled by the vision of brushwork, colour and texture on the canvas. My eye sight is beginning to falter and this, has now been reflected in the size of my artworks… I like them big.

In addition to my own art practice I have been attending MSWA ‘Art Therapy’ classes. We’re a bunch of ordinary people, working with the misfortune of having MS but persevering in a positive way. We talk and draw and paint without judgement or criticism. It’s a refreshing outlook and a positive experience. Some participants have never enjoyed art before and attending these classes. Seeing their pride increase and the output they produce, is enjoyable to witness. A valuable experience.