Sophie works very physically, often in awkward locations such as perched on the edge of a waterfall or surrounded by commuters at a station. This experience and the struggle to record the ever-changing light, colour and weather of her subject all becomes an integral part of its final appearance. Working quickly, she drenches the paper with water and pigment keeping the composition constantly on the move, pushing the paint around until she is happy with the final image. She aims to retain those first moments of visual excitement she feels when truly looking.
Her paintings are an amalgamation of experiences. The noise, smell and visual impact of the city and landscape all transmit themselves through the energetic marks and texture she creates while working. Her work is not anchored to any topographical imperative, she uses visual stimulus only as a vehicle from which to convey a more personal vision in which mystery, mood and suggestion play a large role.
