Sophia Dehler
BFA: Art with an Emphasis in Illustration
Artist Name:
Sophia Dehler
Work Title:
Inside an Olive Shell
Medium:
Watercolor, paper, ink, colored pencil
Artist Statement:
Inside an Olive Shell explores the burden of perfectionism and anxiety along with the budding confidence within a young artist. When Violet is invited to attend the solo musical performance of a classmate, she begins to think inwardly of her fear to take “center-stage.” My protagonist is a thoughtful creative, who manifests this through making stone “horses” by arranging rocks she finds on the beach. My children’s book examines how Violet evolves from a nervous perfectionist to a more confident creative who wants to share her artistic world. The trigger to her emotional development is her finding a unique shell at the beach. I use this moment of wonder and interest to weave in a dream-like series of spreads where Violet's art comes to life within the shell. This journey of exploration culminates in a story of strengthening one’s self confidence.
Artist Bio:
Sophia Dehler is and Illustrator and storyteller based in St. Louis Missouri. Her body of work ranges from children’s books and graphic novels to editorial illustration. Exploration of female experiences, anxiety, and fantasy are ever present in her practice. She examines how we navigate the pandemonium of our lives and the deep contemplation that goes on below the surface. Much of her inspiration comes from lived experience and observation catalogued through writing and a practice of keeping detailed sketchbooks.
Artist Portfolio: