Lively-Wood

Art with a Heart @ The Urban Ashram,
May 16-17, 2009 from 11am-8:30pm

An alternative pocket amidst the corporate and technology driven Pune city, Urban Ashram keeps the possibility of the human heart alive. This May, Urban Ashram celebrated its first anniversary - the strength of truth, beauty and love! Art with a heart as the name suggests, hosted an array of events. From photography to wood art, from paintings to social cause, from events to workshops. For the body and the soul. It had it all! Various artists exhibited their artwork. For example, Sonia from Lively-wood displayed a wide range of hand crafted wood items. Mayuresh (Shadows Photography) presented abstract and fine art photography while Kanchan (Southpaw Creatives) displayed her artwork ranging from paintings, typography inspired designs, sketches and contemporary designs. Alongside the artists, two other social cause organizations like Blue Cross Society, Pune (www.bluecrosspune.blogspot.com) who work for the welfare of animals and Crossbow club who work for various environment and other social causes participated at the event. The event held a simple thought of spreading awareness and smiles. A part of the collection from this event was donated to the Blue Cross Society, Pune.

Sonia's life reads like a tapestry of colours. The driving force behind Lively-wood, Sonia has a passion for art and creativity. She is one of the few lucky people who could turn her passion into a career. Her long association with art, colour and handicrafts has metamorphosised into a fulfilling career which she is successfully pursuing through eclectic woodwork. She breathes life into mundane wood piece by giving creative pizzazz and its own identity. Her marvellous pieces of furniture art have been appreciated by art lovers and laymen alike.Sonia has an undergraduate degree in French Language and has completed her Master's degree in International Business from France. After her Master's degree, Sonia moved to USA where she established a retail and wholesale outlet of Indian art, handicrafts, home decor and women's accessories. Her stint in USA along with her studies in France has helped her combine business acumen with her creative streak. While abroad, Sonia was able to give outlet to her other passion – world travel. She has had the opportunity to travel the entire Americas from Canada to Peru, length and breadth of Europe and even Middle East. During all these trips she caught studied of the local art and craft which she expresses in her furniture. She makes a constant effort to provide us a glimpse into the art of places far-far away.

An article written by Sanat Savanal was published in Pune Times on April 24, 2008. Please see the following…. An article written by Misha Paul was published in DNA on MAy 16, 2009. Please see the following.....