"The Woman" - Series from "Number 36" Collection Painting

From CEO to Artist: My Journey of Transformation Through Art By Sonia J. I never set out to become an artist. For over three decades, I led in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of tech—first as an entrepreneur, then as a CEO. I was driven, focused, and proud of what I’d built. But somewhere along the way, I felt the pull for something deeper. Not an escape, but a transformation. In early 2024, I stepped away from the corporate world and into something entirely new—a creative life rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to express. Today, I’m a self-taught, emergent artist living in the rural mountains of Portugal. My work is a reflection of my journey—from trailblazer in the boardroom to a liberated creative spirit surrounded by the grounding beauty of nature. My art is abstract, vibrant, and textured. It’s my way of telling stories that can’t be told in spreadsheets or strategy decks—stories of transformation, empowerment, and the quiet power of change. Painting, for me, is about freedom. There are no rules. No formulas. Just intuition, color, and raw emotion. Much like leadership, it requires courage—the willingness to adapt, to take risks, to embrace what’s uncertain. I paint large-scale pieces, often on the floor, because that perspective shifts everything. It invites me to see, to feel, to connect with my work on a deeper level. Blue dominates my canvases—always shifting, always revealing something new. To me, blue symbolizes depth, calm, and infinite possibility. It’s the color of inner strength and open skies, of resilience and hope. I use layers of blue to echo the complexities of life, and the beauty that comes when we allow ourselves to evolve. I work with raw materials—cotton and linen—because they feel real. Honest. They embody the qualities I admire in women: resilience, authenticity, and grace in vulnerability. These fabrics, paired with organic textures and layered color, let me explore life’s transitions in a tactile, grounded way. Nature, especially the rugged beauty of Serra da Estrela where I now live, has become one of my greatest inspirations. While I’m self-taught, my art is influenced by many who came before me—abstract expressionists like Rothko, the organic strength of Georgia O’Keeffe, and the emotional resonance of Paul Klein’s blues. But just as much, my art is shaped by my own journey: as a woman, as a leader, and as someone who’s never been afraid to reinvent. Art, for me, is a tool for connection.