Sonder

Natalie Costas "Sonder"

Mixed media: Acrylic paint and paper, 2025

My idea for this painting came from the 'narrative' section of the ideas we are supposed to do. A narrative is telling a story, so I went with sonder. It not only tells a story, but many stories by looking through different windows of the same building. I've always liked the idea of sonder as well. I started by just wanting to paint a few different windows, but I added in the mixed media, and I think it was a good addition. I started by painting the background. I had to mess with the color to get the deep red/brown color I wanted. Then, I traced out the windows using transfer paper. After everything was traced, I started painting each window one by one. It took lots of color mixing and many different paintbrushes to fill in each window. After I painted most of the windows, I decided this would be my mixed-media painting. I cut out certain windows and used Mod Podge to get them to stick with a clear finish. After all the window slots were covered, I added empty windows on the side to fill up more space. I added some little details, then Mod Podge over the entire thing as a finishing touch. To me, my artwork means more than just being something to paint. Looking at it, you only really see the mess of windows and colors, all with something different going on. Sonder is the feeling of realizing that everybody around you is living their own lives and experiencing them differently. When someone looks at this, that's what I want them to think about. Even people living in the same building are all experiencing their day differently. Whether it be studying, spending time with a significant other, or alone, nobody is dealing with the same thing.  The most difficult part for me was the shape of the windows and some of the people. It was hard to get the little details right with a paintbrush. I figured it out by being very gentle with the brush strokes. If I were to change anything, I would space the windows out better and make sure everything is shaped the way I want it. This is a surrealism and mixed media painting. The building structure is simple, but the windows have images that are almost like moments frozen in time. It gives a very surreal vibe, like you're looking into a world where many stories are happening at once.  The storytelling makes it unique to my personal style. Each window is a different story, and it tells a story without me having to say anything at all.