Sofia uses glass and words with an entirely fresh perspective to create a mixed-media piece that is visually pleasing, intelligent and soulful. Editorial copy and advertisements from periodicals supply the verbiage: "I gather words in much the same manner as a painter mixes paints," she explains. "I am drawn to the colors and texture of the background stock as well as the word itself. All of the clear glass I use is recycled and I will often paint the glass if it is not the color I desire.

Magazine advertisements are her favorite source for words and phrases: "When taken out of context, they become either particularly funny or especially poignant." Phraseology is gathered over months-even years and often just writes itself. She affixes the words to the hand cut glass pieces and then attaches them to mannequins, boxes, sash windows, baby dolls and furniture. The framework chosen is often dictated by what she can, to put it plainly, garbage-pick. "I was driving in Berkeley and spotted an old stool half buried in tall grass in a vacant lot. I almost caused an accident by making a b-line to nab it." Now encrusted with verbiage, the work is entitled Tossed in Berkeley. "I love the process of reincarnation."

Sofia is self-taught and didn't begin creating until she went through a difficult emotional time. She considers her art a "healing gift" that found her when she needed it most.

Sofia's work can be seen at the Steel Gallery in San Francisco, Claudia Chapline Gallery in Stinson Beach, CA and G Gallery in Napa, CA.

Artist Highlights

• ArtWanted.com Gallery:    Art/Drawing Misc.