Mission

"In my artwork I aim to intuitively reflect authentic identity, vulnerability & strength through colorful, expressive abstract paintings.

For me, art becomes even that more meaningful when it reflects social themes, (personal) development, authenticity and ultimately brings people together. I see this as the power of art and it's my purpose as a transformative & creative coach to achieve connections between people and reflect the true essence and power of art on human development."

​

Biography

Sharina Gumbs is an Aruba-born artist, social worker and founder of Soul2Soul - Mindful Art.

Transform through art by focusing on authentic identity and establishing deeper (group) connections through enhanced awareness and.

​

At the age of seven, Sharina emigrated to the Netherlands with her mother, brothers and sister. Her father stayed in Aruba with his new family.

Growing up with an absent father and a strong, independent single mother of five, has in many ways influenced her development as she herself followed in her mothers footsteps and later became a single mother who seemingly attracted emotionally unavailable partners.

As a child Sharina was very introvert and in drawing people, she found a way to express herself and give meaning to the world around her. Her interest in the human character led to an initial profession as a social worker and later an education in behavioral science (orthopedagogics).

For over 20 years Sharina has worked in psychiatric care, community development, drug- and alcohol care and child  & youth welfare.

It wasn't until her early forties that she followed her childhood passion and started a part-time education in art (2009-2012). At the same time she continued to work as a social worker, studied orthopedagogics (2007-2012) and as a single mother had full-time care of her children. Needless to say that at some point she felt out of control and had to make a choice regarding the focus and balance in her life. What followed was a long journey of reflections on her values, relationships and authentic identity. A journey of choises.

In 2014 Sharina returned to her island of birth (Aruba). Her children -by that time, both adults- stayed in the Netherlands.

Sharina has exhibited in several European countries (Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Monaco, Denmark, Sweden), as well as in U.S.A. and in her country of birth, Aruba.   

​

Artist statement

As an artist and certified social worker, there is always a social aspect to my work.

My artwork and workshops are based on social interaction and/or developmental aspects. They both explore social themes that reflect important aspects of  authentic identity. Themes such as attachment versus non-attachment and the role of fear in being able to let go of unhealthy situations or relationships.

The drive to explore these themes is directly linked to my own individual development.

At an early age I emigrated to a foreign country and growing up without my biological father, but with a strong single mother, has had a great impact on my personal relationships. The lack of a relationship with my father thought me that my heart was best protected from rejection when I didn't let people in. The example of my mother thought me that continuously improving myself and being strong (at least on the outside) was the best way to keep on going and overcoming obstacles.

​

As a child I was not able to connect with my peers. During play-time at school, I usually stood outside right next to the door, while other kids ran around playing and having fun. I would be eagerly waiting for that moment to be able to go back inside to study. It was as if nobody even saw me.

In adult romantic relationships, I was later drawn to partners that were emotionally unavailable. In general I felt alone, misunderstood and there was always a sense of not belonging anywhere. I felt disconnected from myself and from the world.

This basis has led me through a life long search of my own authentic identity as well as a search for authentic connections and relationships with people at a deeper (spiritual) level.

My paintings are a reflection of my journey and search of my own authentic identity. They tell my story to those who are open to hear it, see it and connect with it.

In the core, my journey is about empowerment through finding inner  strength, as well as accepting and embracing my vulnerabilities. Being able to look in the mirror and say:

I am here & I am enough.

​

On one hand my abstract artwork reveal a very colorful, dynamic and intuitive reflection on my life and (spiritual) development. 

When making an abstract portrait of others, I feel a strong drive to reflect beyond what people show of themselves on the surface.

Through interactive interviews I reflect on my subjects, using social themes to create a dialogue and energy that form a strong basis for my abstract portraits. The focus is on the subject.

This way of working allows me to be an observer and listener in order to transform the energy that I feel, into an authentic portrait of an individual person.

(Below is an example of an abstract portrait that I made of Aruban Calypso singer 'Mighty Reds'. This portrait (2016) was based on an interview that with 'Mighty Reds' in which he expressed his love for his family and the music form Calypso).

​

​

​​