Episode 133

133: Creating Space for Local Artists with Sonya Sparks of Sparks Gallery

Published on: 26th October, 2023

Following our Artist Spotlight with artist Stefanie Bales, I’m talking to Sonya Sparks, the owner and Chief Curator of Sparks Gallery, where Stefanie is currently showing her work. I love going to events at Sonya’s gallery, so it was great to sit down with her and hear the full story behind the creation of it and her vision for it. Sonya tells us how the gallery came to be, how they restored the beautiful historic space they are in, and how she works with and selects artists. Over the course of eight years, she has worked with over 400 local artists!

Sonya also shares more about the unique consulting services she offers to artists and collectors, and she outlines for us the various ways she works with interior designers. We even get into a deeper discussion about how art can be a self-care tool.

We cover a lot in this episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen–and check out the gallery for yourself! The Design Coven will be doing an artist & gallery tour with Stefanie Bales at Sparks Gallery on Friday, October 27. Learn more about Design Coven membership at designcoven.com/join.

About Sonya

Sonya Sparks is a local arts advocate, curator, small business owner, and mother of 2. Sparks received her B.A. in 2005 in International Business with minors in German and Visual Arts from the University of San Diego. Sonya founded Sparks Gallery in 2013 to encourage the patronage of local artists, support local art groups and institutions, and educate the public about Southern California artists. Sonya has curated exhibitions for multiple organizations, including, but not limited to: the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance, Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, Cannon Art Gallery (Carlsbad, CA), and the Escondido Arts Partnership.

Featured in this episode

Featured deck: Radiant Crystal Cards

Connect with Sparks Gallery

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Are you an interior designer or are you interested in Holistic Interior Design? Check out my membership program, the Design Coven! This program is a real-world industry mentorship for Holistic Interior Designers that has everything you won't find in traditional design school curriculum. You'll learn from practicing interior designers working on real life projects, and get access to cutting edge vendors, suppliers, furniture makers, textile designers, and design resources that I've curated over my 17 years of design experience. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to build valuable relationships of your own. Learn more.

Connect with Rachel Larraine

Website

Instagram

Patreon

Interior Design Services

Interior Design Resources

Houzz (Affiliate Link)

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Holistic Interior Design Podcast

About the Podcast

Holistic Interior Design Podcast
Designing with Intention promoting health and well-being.
Welcome to the Holistic Interior Design Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of mindful practices and holistic principles in creating spaces that nurture and inspire. Whether you’re a homeowner, wellness enthusiast, or industry professional, this podcast is your go-to resource for integrating holistic design into your environments.

Join me, Rachel Larraine Crawford, an experienced holistic interior designer with over 20 years experience, as we dive into the world of sustainable materials, energy flow, and design strategies that promote well-being and harmony. Each episode features insightful conversations, practical tips, and expert advice to help you create beautiful, balanced spaces that reflect your unique style and values.

This podcast is for you if you have the following questions:
What is holistic interior design?
Where do I source sustainable resources for interior design?
What are some sustainable brands for interiors?
How do I choose materials and furnishings that enhance health and sustainability?
How can I utilize color, light, and texture to create a serene and inviting atmosphere?
How do I incorporate elements of nature to foster connection and tranquility?
How do I implement Feng Shui and other energy-balancing techniques?
What is Feng Shui?
How do I design spaces that support my lifestyle?

Whether you’re redesigning your home, planning a new hospitality venture, or simply curious about holistic interior design, this podcast will guide you in making intentional choices that elevate your space and your life.

Tune in to the Holistic Interior Design Podcast and start your journey toward a more mindful, beautiful, and harmonious living environment.

About our Host Rachel Larraine Crawford
Rachel is a Holistic Interior Designer and founder of her Interior Design firm Tiger Veil, focusing on high end residential and hospitality interior design projects based in Encinitas, Ca. Her work been featured in several exhibitions, including Del Mar’s KAABOO festival, and in publications such as San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, Modern Luxury Magazine, San Diego Magazine, Exquisite Weddings, Style & Decor and Serendipity Magazine. Learn more about her and her services at Tigerveil.com
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Rachel Crawford

Rachel Crawford

Rachel is a Mystic, Reiki Master, Tarot Reader, Feng Shui Practitioner, Energy Healer, and Holistic Interior Designer, whose intimate connection to her intuition and ancestral roots enabled her to rise above a challenging childhood and blossom into the powerful and impassioned healer she is today.

Committed to empowering others by teaching modalities that support connection to intuition, Rachel hosts workshops and retreats focused on the ancient practices of Feng Shui, Tarot, crystals, herbs and oils, ritual and ceremony, astrology and metaphysics — in addition to live and virtual new moon and full moon circles.

Rachel also lends her harmonious and balancing acumen to the creation of energetically aligned spaces through Holistic Interior Design. Since earning her Associates Degree and Certificate in Interior Design 2005, she has created and collaborated on a multitude of award-winning residential and commercial spaces, including Realm of the 52 Remedies (with Onairos Design), all while becoming certified in Classical Flying Stars Feng Shui through the International School of Feng Shui (2015), studying the practices of Land Healing, Ritual, and Ceremony under Amanda Sophia & Alex Stark in Ireland, and with "House Whisperer," Christian Kyriacou.
Rachel's work has been featured in several exhibitions, including KAABOO, a music, comedy, culinary and art festival held in Del Mar, CA, where as part of an experiential art installation by Carly Ealey and Madeleine Tonzi, she created a crystal grid below the piece, clearing the participating auras before entering the installation. Her designs have been published in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, Modern Luxury Magazine, San Diego Magazine, Exquisite Weddings, Style & Decor and Serendipity Magazine.

You may also connect with Rachel on a regular basis through Patreon, where she is is creating Mystical Rituals and Sacred Spaces, providing Tarot Readings, and nurturing spiritual connections.

Her design work can be found here: CrawfordPallini.com
Her personal site here: RachelLarraine.com