CARVING INSPIRATION SONAL AMBANI

THE SCULPTURE, WHO CARRIES THAT FAMOUS LAST NAME, TELLS HELLO! HOW FAMILY HAS SERVED AS HER GREATEST INFLUENCE, IN HER ART AND LIFE

- NAYARE ALI

Starting her career in investment banking as a Vice President with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in her hometown of New York, Sonal Ambani reminisces on how her journey into sculpture unfolded as a profound reflection on life's transient nature. "After years in the corporate world, a pivotal moment occurred with the passing of my father," she shares. "His last words, You're capable of so much more,' resonated deeply with me." She reveals that while she had been dabbling in sculptures for friends and curators, her father's words motivated her to pursue a more professional path. "It became a medium for expressing emotions, storytelling and forging profound connections with people."

Over three decades, Sonal's journey of self-discovery has encompassed sculpting across diverse mediums and styles, with each piece adding to a narrative that transcends the physical form of her sculptures. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she married into the prominent Ambani family husband, Vimal, is the late Dhirubhai her Ambani’s nephew, bearing the renowned textile brand’s namesake. Additionally, she founded FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) Ahmedabad, Samara Art Gallery, which champions young artists, and the Cancer Screening and Research Trust (CSRT).

A woman of diverse talents and passions (she’s also a bass player!), Sonal shares insights into her fascinating career journey and the pivotal choices shaping both her works and life in an exclusive chat with HELLO!

Sonal, you grew up in NYC where your father was a businessman but also ran an art gallery. Tell us a little bit about those early years?