Sonia Nicolson, AKA the Reykjavik Sketcher, is a Scottish expat living in Iceland who has carved a space in the world of design and education here in Iceland. Not your typical architect, Sonia’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and adaptability. From struggling through high school to excelling in Architecture School, her path was marked by hard work and determination, culminating in her academic success and a scholarship for ‘Academic Excellence’.
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Love took the Reykjavik Sketcher to Iceland
Her professional journey took her from the UK to India, where she embraced the role of Academic Director and Head of Department at a Singaporean design school. This experience not only honed her skills but also ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. Returning to the UK, she continued to inspire young minds as the Head of 1st Year Interior Architecture at a leading Arts University. However, the academic demands took a toll, leading to a life-altering decision when she met Ingimar, her future husband, during a trip to Edinburgh.
Sonia transitioned from a senior lecturer to an entrepreneur and nurtured her love for hand drawing. Her sketches, primarily of Iceland’s unique buildings, particularly the old corrugated houses, became a virtual exhibition on Instagram under the hashtag #ReykjavikSketcher. And what do you know, by signing up to the Stuck in Iceland newsletter you will receive a discount code that gives you 10% on Sonia’s artwork available on her online store.
These sketches beautifully capture the essence of Icelandic architecture, resonating with a wide audience and eventually evolving into commissioned works and a range of prints. I especially like her sketches of the houses of the older sections of Reykjavik and other places. After all, I have a special fondness for these wooden houses with their armor of colorful corrugated iron.
Sonia’s journey didn’t stop there. She leveraged her expertise to create online courses, sharing her knowledge in art and design with a global audience. Her life in Iceland, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, epitomizes a pursuit of passion and creativity. As she continues to build her legacy, Sonia’s story is not just about architectural sketches; it’s about inspiring others to follow their dreams, irrespective of the challenges they may face.
Please tell me more about how you ended up here in Iceland.
I relocated to Reykjavik almost 8 years ago, how time flies.
But let’s go back to my home city of Edinburgh and that fateful night when I met my Viking.
I was out with my old school mates on a hen night (bachelorette). We headed to a bar called the Ghillie Dhu, hoping for a ceilidh. Much to our surprise, there was a live rock band playing on stage but it had grabbed the attention of 3 big bearded guys on a football trip. Curious, I asked one where they were from and he replied “Iceland”.
He spent the evening telling me about summer cabins and hot tubs, and watching the aurora dance amongst a star lit sky. We became Facebook friends, said our goodbye and I left with the girls. But I had a feeling I’d met my soulmate.
I was working as a Senior Lecturer at a leading arts university at the time and often travelled back and forth to India (where I previously worked) with the British council on academic visits. He got pictures of life out there in 35’c+ glorious sunshine. Ingimar would reply with snowy pictures of him cycling to work.
I said I’d never live any further north than Scotland – I moved to Iceland the following February.
What, in your opinion, is the most peculiar thing about Icelandic customs or culture you discovered when moving here?
Iceland has some peculiar culinary treats. I was welcomed by þorramatur, attended a party where there was a sandwich cake, and Malt og Appelsin is an interesting one. But I don’t think I’ll ever forget going to try Skata before Christmas whilst 3 months pregnant.
You balance many things in your career. Does living in Iceland make that easier or harder than living in a country like the UK, for example?
Yes and no. Before moving to Iceland I was burnt out. I needed a change of pace, of lifestyle.
I was working as a full time lecturer which alongside teaching and assessment involved research and getting published, recruitment trips and work with the British council. There were many amazing opportunities and I loved it, but it was too much for too long.
I truly believe it’s all about timing. I met Ingimar, we got chatting, became Facebook friends and I left – I just knew we’d meet again. Yes, you could say “Petta reddast”, or as we say in Scotland “what’s for you won’t go by you.”
I came to Iceland over Easter term break and spent a week relaxing, unwinding, walking, going on trips; chasing waterfalls, climbing glaciers, enjoying hot springs and exploring in nature again – the hot pot life was what I needed.
Of course Scotland is beautiful, there are many similarities, and I’m glad it’s only a 2.5hr flight away.
But I came to Iceland with a job offer which unfortunately fell through. There’s not been as many opportunities in architecture or teaching here but one thing I took from my time living in India was the entrepreneurial spirit, and so I did my own thing.
I set up a website, started writing blog posts, sharing content on instagram and then YouTube, got back into sketching and opened an online shop, and now I teach students through my online courses and coaching.
I enjoy your Reykjavik Sketcher project. Tell me about how you got going creating drawings of Icelandic architecture?
As an Architect who is passionate about hand drawing, it’s quite natural for me to sketch and record my travels and surroundings. The idea of the ‘Reykjavík Sketcher’ came about as I wandered around downtown Reykjavík sketching the houses one evening whilst I waited for Ingimar to finish work. Later, I posted my drawings on Instagram, and people started to comment and interact, sometimes letting me know who lived in a house I’d drawn. Over time, my feed became an online sketchbook – a digital exhibition.
You offer courses in different subjects, such as creativity, interior architecture, and urban sketches. Are these attended by people all over the world?
Yes, what I love about teaching online is that my courses are available to everyone and they can learn at their own pace. I have now taught over 5,500 students from all over the world.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience or feedback from someone touched by your work?
As a coach, I have helped many students successfully apply to, and get into, their first choice university or art college. Having a great portfolio really helps your application and I offer guidance on this. I have worked closely with Icelandic students applying to Scandinavian and British universities.
As for artwork, I have created many commissions of people’s homes, family portraits and even pets. I love when it’s a special building and they share the story – I think of it whilst I am drawing.
With the Reykjavik Sketcher posts on instagram, people have sent me DMs in the past to tell me who lives, or has lived, in the house or funny stories about the building.
What advice would you give aspiring artists who wish to fuse their love for architecture with their art?
Perhaps an obvious one but practice. Just get out there and sketch, take some photos and draw from them. Practice the relationship between the eye seeing and translating to the hand drawing and communicating.
Hand drawing is such an important skill. Sadly, however, something that many don’t know how to do or aren’t confident in. Don’t worry about making mistakes – they only add to the creation.
So, the next time you are sitting in your favourite Kaffihús, try to sketch the view out of the window.
What tips do you have for visiting Iceland for the first time with their kids?
Iceland is a wonderful country for families, there’s a lot to do and a lot on.
Some of our favourite things to do are get outside and walk in Elliðaárdalur and of course wander downtown, light a candle in Hallgrimskirkja and dance down the rainbow road.
Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo has the best play park and we love a big trampoline. We are lucky to have a great group of friends; my Mum gang. We often meet up for play dates and birthdays in the summer there.
Harpa has a lot of things on for families, and it’s a fabulous building. They have a wonderful kids exhibition where Mia and Angus can explore all the noise of the orchestra. It’s very interactive.
Nordic House, designed by Alvar Aalto, has a good children’s library downstairs and offers themed workshops for kids.
Perlan is a great exhibition for a rainy day, and the views from the observation deck are amazing. The aurora story is beautiful and the ice cave is fun too.
The hot springs and pools in Iceland are amazing. We love the local pools for weekly swims at Laugardalslaug, Árbæjarlaug and Salalaug.
What are your favorite places and activities in Iceland?
I love Þingvellir, Geysir, Vík, Jökulsárlón, and Snæfellsnes. But 7 years here and I’ve still not made it to Akureyri never mind completed the ring road. I still have a lot to see.
My favourite things to do are head to the local pool. If we have a sitter, escape to the Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík – the best way to survive an Icelandic winter! Coffee and a cinnamon bun downtown, sketchbook in hand of course! And popping my head out the balcony door to check on the Northern Lights before I head to bed never gets old.
Looking ahead, what new projects or directions are you excited to explore in your career?
I am currently creating a virtual retreat called the ‘Creative Roots Retreat’ which is designed to help you get back to your creative roots through a series of fun challenges where you are invited to share your creations with the community and support each other in your journey.
We live in a fast paced world full of technology and distractions. Whilst this retreat will initially be online, I hope to one day host it here in Iceland, in person, and bring likeminded people together, expressing themselves through their creativity.
I will be launching my Urban Sketching School later this year so stay tuned if you’d like to learn how to create beautiful hand drawings and urban sketches.
But in the meantime, join the Reykjavik Sketcher group on Facebook follow me on instagram @sonianicolson or check out my website www.sonianicolson.com.
