© Alisha Sofia, Open 1&2, 2017
© Alisha Sofia, Open 1&2, 2017

“Each piece starts with a conversation or event that has occurred with someone I know or have known.”

Name

Alisha Sofia

Profession

Illustrator

Website

alishasofia.com

© Alisha Sofia
© Alisha Sofia , 2017

Who are you? What do you do?

I am predominantly an illustrator, but occasionally work as a freelance designer and creative director with various studios.

Where are you from?

Los Angeles

Your style in 3 words?

Intricate, ornate, feminine

Your weakness? Your strength?

I am very sensitive/ I’m really hospitable

What makes you different?

I will draw someone that I have never met in my life, then usually I spot them in public right after. Or they will become a friend or acquaintance. It kind of frightens me at times..

© Alisha Sofia, Worker, 2017
© Alisha Sofia, Worker, 2017

When did you decide to become an illustrator?

Since I was 2. I grabbed a pencil and started drawing according to my mother.

What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?

Each piece starts with a conversation or event that has occurred with someone I know or have known. The other half of the process is a combination of what colors or materials are inspiring me at that moment.

A few words about your favourite creation?

It is a recent piece and is inspired by one of my dearest and strongest friend I have. Titled “The Ox”, it depicts a tenacious woman riding a bright pink ox.

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

Vardges Surenyants, Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisyan, Niko Pirosmani, Francis Picabia, Amadeo Modigliani, Georges Barbier, Yasunari Ikenaga, Margaret Kilgallen, so many more!

© Alisha Sofia, Curse & Dove, 2017
© Alisha Sofia, Curse & Dove, 2017

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

A little silly, but I recently bought gold leaf and I’m really looking forward to implementing it into my new painting.

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

Enjoying LIFE!

2017: Where are we going?

With the state of things in the world and especially here in America, probably no where…as existential as that sounds.

When the going gets tough…

Create in any and every way you know how.

Your city’s favourite spots?

Los Angeles has some of the most diverse cuisine and independent theaters that have truly shaped and defined my youth. The Egyptian and Aero theaters are both part of the American Cinematheque and play fantastic old and new films from around the world. The Nuart theater is another good one to check out. Cinefamily used to be everyones go to, but RIP to that. Amoeba Music is another place where I can spend hours sorting through some sweet records.

Do you have a vision?

To make works of art for people to be inspired by. Keep the circle going!

Tell us about your future plans…

I am trying to make it a goal to have a solo show and possibly do a very large mural somewhere either in Europe or here in the States.

Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?

“World that’s not real” Gloria Ann Taylor