Sophia Portolese
any pronouns
Arcata, CA
Sophia Portolese was a philosophy student who wandered into the jewelry lab and fell in love. They explore the ebb and flow of emotions. Sophia's work requires dedication and is all about hidden details, emulating the overlooked parts of life.
Art is the realm where I explore the full scope of human emotion. I express the truth of vulnerability and why it’s so important to feel raw emotions. I urge others to stop being afraid of themselves, no longer fearful of sharing their experiences. If we are real with ourselves we cannot hide from others; loneliness dissolves. Authenticity kills all doubt and disservice. Community is created through connection; conflict and pain are necessary facets of growth. Art creates culture, influences communities, and brings an array of differences which informs our unique understanding of the world.
@sophiaportolesejewelry
How does your creative practice reflect your experience of living and making as a BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ maker?
“As the first openly queer person in my family, my coming out story might sound familiar. The first words said to me were, "no you're not", eventually but not commonly they came around. I finally grew into myself and felt safe in showing who I was. Upon reflection my journey sounds like most stories in the LGBTQ+ community… not to say my story isn’t beautifully unique, it just seems to be a commonly shared experience. I believe if we as a society are more open about telling our stories; maybe then we can inspire others to find wholeness and live wondrous, joyful, graceful, mystical, gay lives.”
"As the Sun Kisses the Ocean (Punk Beach Parure)" Fine Silver, Ancient Bronze, seashell 20-21 inch 2024"Siren Screams (Punk Beach Parure)" Fine Silver, seashell ~3 by ~3 inch"Punk You! (Punk Beach Parure)"Fine Silver, ~1in by 1inA poem I wrote during the creation process of Punk Beach.
She slipped though my hands like droplets of water,
maybe my grasp was too tight or my fire, too strong.
She cooled my flame and taught me how to flow.
My fire showed her desire and sparked light within
her depths,
amidst all the passion there was chaos.
And all that was left?
in this beautiful collision
Steam
and
Ash
Yet the embers are still warm and the water droplets accumulate.
The rebirth of each element, as
it returns home.
Maybe one day that will engulf each other with gentle nurture and loving kindness.
Until then
they will meet every morning and every night, when the
Sun kisses the Ocean.
-Sophia Portolese (I love you as you are)
What techniques, stories, or materials have been passed down to you, and how are you reimagining them in the present?
“Throughout the entire creation of "Punk Beach", which is a 26+ piece collection, I learned almost every process of metal casting. Each piece of the collection is made practicing various techniques; cuttlefish, sand casting, lost wax casting, mold making, as well as learning all the intricacies of setting shells in metal. This collection is where I began to find my voice and the soul in my art practice. These pieces are extensions of the body, they sit comfortably but may become painful on contact. Delicately dangerous, just like me (and you). Punk Beach explores what it means to be fierce yet vulnerable, holding two opposites in one space. Firm yet Fluid. At first I resisted wax and longed to work in metal, but is was a slow burn kind of love, one that I know I will never get over. This work is meant to bring out passion and intensity. I owe everything I know to Marilyn Koch, my jewelry professor. One day I know I will be a jewelry teacher too, but today I am just me creating my innerstanding of life. I want to soak up as much experience as I can, so that when I teach these ancient techniques I am flowing with reverence and gratitude”.
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, research, etc.
How does your work honor those who came before you while forging new pathways for the future?
“I believe my work has the chance to honor every soul, every being who has experience pain and turned it into peace. My work honors those who have the strength to keep going amidst inner chaos. My work is about seeing each other through endless struggles and being there to celebrate when we overcome them. Every lonely soul is welcome to sit with me. We can only build community through understanding, love and care. I hope to open-hearted to all who have experience heartbreak. I hope to be a beam of love for those who need to be held. This is the only way I know how. Transmute the pain into empowerment for all. This video I made describes it best... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0omy6AsJng
Photographs Courtesy of the Artist