Photo: Diana Zalucky
Somsara (my given name) means “the eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death and rebirth” in Sanskrit. A name full of heavy symbolism seemed to predestine me for a life in the arts, and by 21 I was already working in a studio as a designer. My career as a Creative Director & Visual Artist is an ongoing journey into deep explorations of art and design, gravitating over and over to where they intersect.
With over 25 years of experience working for studios and clients in Los Angeles and New York City, I’ve worked on a dizzying array of projects from noble non-profits to global luxury brands and everything in-between.
My work is fueled by the belief that artful communication can inspire deeper connections and a broader understanding of the human condition. My creative process is a unique synthesis of right and left brain –allowing me to manage complex projects with very tight deadlines to good outcomes, while always driven by the pursuit of the “big idea” in every endeavor.
Some career milestones I am particularly proud of:
Designed the 2014 Academy Awards Invitation Suite (I also got to attend!)
Creative directed and assisted in curation of art installations for Kaleidoscope the annual UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital Benefit (They raised record funding.)
Created a 365 collage-a-day-for-a-year project entitled ArtDesign365 that was later installed as a solo gallery show
Embraced the world of illustration with both static and animated editorial assignments for the Los Angeles Times, BBC, and more.
Somsara has worked with Mick Fleetwood, the Los Angeles Times, BBC, American Public Media, Forbes Luxury Travel, Wynn Resorts, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Regent Hotels, Belmond Hotels, Conservation International, The Aoki Foundation, Universal Studios, Sony Pictures, Los Angeles Opera, and American Cinema Editors. Past artwork exhibitions include Los Angeles City Hall, San Francisco Center for the Book, Burt Green, Wallspace, Good Eye, Co-Lab, Machamux, Gold Bug, ArtShareLA, and sp[a]ce Galleries.
Somsara has recieved an American Illustration Award & International Motion Art Award.
Meet Somsara Rielly featured artist at sp[a]ce gallery // The Universe is in Us