Florida Artist Still Shining Her Light
So nice to meet you Sophie. Kick us off and tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
We started out in Avondale, but as our family grew we decided to move to Clay County in 1999. That’s where we homeschooled, raised our sons, and enjoyed the Art Guild of Orange Park.
How long have you been doing your craft or trade?
My first job right out of college was designing ads at the Times Union in 1990. I was frustrated with learning software so I became a hands-on muralist along the first coast for about 10 years. But had to lay it down with small children, and being a special needs parent. So my creativity has changed, depending on our family’s needs. But I found a way to add creativity to whatever I was doing. After several jobs in marketing, I really picked my art back up Full-time in 2022.
What brings out your creativity?
It’s a necessity for me – the process itself. It’s healing and cathartic. But what I am creating usually has a voice of its own to share inspiration with others. Hope, beauty, light – so much we glean from nature and daily life.
What does your work aim to say? Are you trying to bring a smile to someone’s face or add to someone’s home decor?
For several years I was an inspirational speaker, sharing hope, in the face of grief and loss. We had lost our first son, Joshua, at 8, and I shared his story and the light he brought to us and others. How God carried us through that time. But it was for a season, and our other 2 boys were getting older, needing me more. As I’ve grown through the years, a friend helped me realize that whatever we are doing in life, persevering through it, it is an inspiration to others and can BE our message. It doesn’t need to be from a podium. My art speaks more for me now, than my words ever could. I like to focus on LIGHT. In any given situation, we can always seek the light.
Are there any spaces or designers that have influenced you?
So many. Lately, I love to watch Turner Vinson and Richard Musgrave-Evans paint plein air on YouTube. I love to follow Lori McNee. She was the first to help me realize I could paint with water-mixable oils, to offset my allergies to the medium. But much of my inspiration comes from some of my favorite local artists and their encouragement of each other. We spend creative time together as the #kiawahriverartists
What is your favorite artistic accomplishment?
I love the experiences I have had in designing and executing large-scale murals in the Clay community, but recently I have LOVED moving to oil painting, and the continual journey of growing in a new medium. I get up early to catch sunrises, and enjoy painting the mist, and light through the trees.
Do you have a specific piece you would love to talk about or promote?
I’ve had the privilege of trips to Kiawah over the past few years with my favorite artists and painting the community of the low country. Recently I painted a large 30×40 Kiawah Fishing Time, which was just a seemingly insignificant scene from one of my first trips. Two guys trolling up the inlet in their little boat. I love sharing the quiet calm of the moment on the Kiawah River, and how much it brings peace to the viewer, wherever it ends up hanging. I added gold leaf to the horizon which shifts its reflection in the light.
Do you share your process?
Yes, I teach classes locally at my working studio – 673 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park, FL, and at The Art Room in Green Cove Springs. I have tutorials on YouTube and painting kits you can purchase on the site to paint with my videos. They are listed on my site under events.
What is the best way for artists to network?
It may be different for everyone, depending on your work and audience, but I have found that I have to get in front of people. Art lovers and collectors. My art has a story behind it and it is best told in person. I participate in seasonal markets and festivals to meet new faces. I LOVE Christmas and its a great time to get out of the studio.
If you had a question you would like to ask another artist what would it be?
There’s still so much for me to learn about plein-air painting. I am still pretty new at it. I’d love to take time to travel and paint along with some of the best but it may be for a later season in my life when I have more time to devote to it. I still stay pretty busy with family needs right now.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
We have access to the St. Johns riverfront, for sunsets and reflections and constant coastal birds, the dramatic skies of the beaches only 30 minutes away. Or go inland and paint some farm life and foliage. It’s all here at our fingertips, asking to be painted.
How can we see your work?
www.sophiedare.com – You can join my collector’s list and I like to keep them updated with inspirational works, and trips.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
As an artist, I enjoy the gathering of the references almost as much as the painting and creating. We make it a journey and my husband helps me incorporate it into our trips. I gather beautiful scenes, and he gathers recipes (since he’s a gourmet). The doing of life offers us such a great story. Everywhere you go, just seek the light.
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
One Response
We love all of Sophie’s work! Each piece brings joy and wonderful memories to us! Sophia has done several personal pieces for me and our family and we love them all!
We are so blessed to have Sophia in our lives not just as an artist but as a personal friend! Thank you, Sophia !!!!