Chicago artist Sonya Benham is a fiber and mixed media artist known for her sculptural, contemporary wall hangings. Drawing inspiration from both the natural world and the urban textures surrounding her, Sonya combines traditional fiber techniques with modern design to create dynamic, tactile pieces that transform spaces. Her work explores the balance between art and craft, retro and modern, kitsch and elevated—resulting in wall-based installations that feel both immersive and unexpected. From knotting macrame to developing her signature wrapped fiber technique, Sonya continues to push the boundaries of fiber art as a contemporary medium.
Sonya’s creative journey has taken many turns—beginning with a childhood love of art inspired by her great-uncle, then studying painting, drawing, and photography at a liberal arts college. After years of working in offices by day and crafting by night, she earned her cosmetology license and explored beauty blogging, writing, and styling. A chance encounter with a borrowed macrame book reignited her passion for fiber arts and set her on her current path. Today, Sonya collaborates with clients to design custom pieces of all sizes and prides herself on engineering thoughtful hanging solutions for even her most challenging large-scale works. Learn more about Benham’s journey in her Canvas Rebel feature.