Meet Sophia Bailey | Multidisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Mostly the desire to consistently be creating and connect with people. I have always been a person who is intrigued by so many mediums and types of art and I am driven to learn so much from all of them. I have never been the person to focus on one art form, as much as I have always wanted to be a master of one craft, I will forever be the jack of all trades. Part of the reason I want to do a little bit of everything is because I simply get too bored if I am always coming back to the same task. Finding new ways to express myself through different forms is the thing that makes me feel like I am evolving instead of staying stationary. I create art to sort out feelings and thoughts, as most artists do. I make art for people. I do everything to connect and relate with others and my art is one of the ways I do that. It gives me opportunities to collaborate with others, on projects, but also from afar. If any one thing I make resonates with any one person, I have done my job. Seeing and participating in the curation of art is something that has made me feel seen when not much else did, and I want to be able to do the same for others by way of the things I create. Also, I just like making and looking at beautiful/interesting things. Sometimes I have an idea of something I think would be pretty that I haven’t seen and I like that I have the power to make it from nothing. The short answer to my long winded answer is that art and creating is power and connection and learning and trial and error and purpose and I can’t not participate in it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is absurd. It is a combination of things that should make you feel super comfortable contrasted with lots of things that should make you very uncomfortable. My art lies in the realm of surrealism, gore, mental health, love, existentialism, relationships, identity, change, and pop culture. Some things that may set me apart as an artist/creator is simply the amount of mediums and art forms I have tried. I have learned about photography, graphic design, sculpture, illustration, SFX makeup, production design, interior design, jewelry making, sewing, and wood working (and probably more that I am not thinking of right now). The knowledge that I have gained from each of these art forms allow me to easily combine stylistic elements, mix many mediums, and technically change how I might approach my art. This also means I am always making a little bit of everything and therefore, my art may appeal to wider audiences than it would if I was a singularly focused artist. I am deeply tied to a personal brand/aesthetic that I feel I carry through every piece of art I make; I would like to believe it’s clear when you look at it. My artwork lives in a specific curated universe and I want that to create some familiarity and comfort when people interact with it. I believe my work comes in one of two ways; tied to something deeply emotional and connected to human nature OR something without much context at all, leaving lot of room for a viewer to project what they want on it. I got where I am today simply by working hard and having a vision for myself. It has always been a goal of mine to be highly successful in the things I pursue and this means I am always eagerly looking for opportunities to grow my portfolio, skills, and network. I still feel I have a lot to grow professionally but want to recognize the work that it has taken me to get where I am now; It has certainly not been easy. For one, I have been in school until this spring (when I graduated) which meant lots of my time and energy had to be focused into that work and often the arts had to fall as a last priority (despite always being my first). Unfortunately, school (other than the arts) has never been my strong suit. This created lots of insecurity that often projected into the work I made as well as my mental health, but none the less, we persist! I wouldn’t even say I have overcome my challenges/insecurities, rather have had to intentionally refocus my efforts towards things that build some security back in my life on a regular basis. I have done this by only surrounding myself with people that creatively and emotionally inspire me to grow as well as regularly structuring activities into my schedule that trick my brain into thinking I am highly competent. Through my arts journey I have learned a lot of grit; Nothing comes easy and its still not. You have to actively choose the arts every day and make it your priority or people simply won’t care. I am still learning and consistently reminding myself to keep my focus set on my goals or I genuinely don’t believe I will get there otherwise.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is somewhat of a tricky question as I recently moved to Echo Park and previously lived in the very suburban neighborhoods of LA. That said, heres where we would go. If we were looking to get breakfast/brunch I would take them to Millies. If we wanted a cute stroll I would take them on a walk through Echo Park and then down sunset strip. There, we maybe stop for some coffee at Stories (which is a cutie bookstore/cafe with indoor and outdoor) or ice cream at Fluffy McClouds (which is a lovely retro themed ice cream parlor where all the ice cream is served in a silver bowl with a tiny spoon). After we could stop at the many vintage shops on the strip as well as the Silverlake flea. If we wanted a day of existing in some nature I would take them to Malibu (probably Will Rogers beach cause its closest) or even Malibu Creek (which is a nice walk through some trees and rocks to a little waterfall). A park we might go to is Elysian simply because its so huge and theres grass everywhere and a lovely view of LA at the top.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, all of the people who have ever surrounded and supported me in my artistic endeavors. All of the relationships I have encountered, good or bad, have shaped me as a person and as an artist in some way. This includes my family (!!!) and friends over all of the years who have put up with my wack ideas and projects. I could name specific ones but anyone who has been close to me (they know who they are) have been the reason I have been able to pursue all of the interests I do and I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. Additionally, a few teachers have been a huge part of my development and confidence in the arts and I would love to call out a few of them. In high school, one of my english teachers, Ms. Strub, as well as one of my photography teachers, Ms. Frivold, took special attention to the art I was making and I felt seen in a way that I hadn’t yet in much of my educational career. In college, one of my teachers/mentors, Macha Suzuki, took an insane role in my development as well, letting me explore and take charge on some outrageous ideas with nothing but support and guidance whenever it was needed. Overall, everyone who has ever been in my life deserves credit for some portion of how I am and the things I create.

Website: https://sophiabaileyart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabaileyart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiagbailey

Image Credits
Yasmine Diba