Sonoma artist finds ‘candles’ in darkness

It’s no stretch to say Julia Pozsgai lives her life like a candle in the wind. At least that’s how the 29-year-old Sonoma artist lives her art, which she demonstrates in a new exhibition opening at Bump Cellars this Monday.

From Aug. 1 to 29, Pozsgai, who struggles with autism, presents her one-woman show, “Imagine a World,” which focuses on candlelight.

According to release about the exhibit from Bump Cellars, “the light of the candle invokes a softening and calming effect that can float one through dreams or encourage communing with nature where thousands of stars light the night sky. Julia presents the paintings in two, three or four parts to share the theme of a particular subject focus.” Pozsgai, according to Bump, has broadened her show with scenes of places or things that can “calm a person,” such as a beach scene and building sand castles.

Pozsgai says the light from the fires “makes me feel Zen.”

“Zen to me is a peaceful, calm feeling,” says Pozsgai. “I think it is awesome that fire seems to make all different kinds of people around the world feel Zen too, and it has connected people for such a long time.”

As a complement to her two dimensional pieces, Pozsgai created candles that people can purchase with her paintings and jewelry.

Bump Wine Cellars and Gallery is located at 521A Broadway. Viewing hours are Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m.

View Pozsgai’s work at pansycreations.com.