Meet Sophocles
Or as you might know them as, Soph.
Soph has this calm strength, an ability to move through challenges with grace, clear boundaries, and eloquence. They’re one of the reasons I still love being a small business owner—people like them remind me why creating an inclusive, supportive space matters so much.
Owning a small business means constantly juggling what you want to offer with what you can. But what’s always driven me is the hope that our team feels seen, valued, and able to bring their whole selves to work. Soph embodies that.
From the moment I first saw their art, I was stunned. It’s beautiful, deeply thoughtful, and their artist statement is one I’ve reread more times than I can count.
Soph has also taught us so much about gender-affirming styles and expression, and the importance of honoring each person’s identity. Their preferred pronouns are they and them, and they’ve helped create space for important conversations that make our team stronger and more aware.
I’m thrilled to introduce Soph as our Muse in Residence for First Fridays. They’ll be at Consign Couture each month selling their stickers and prints 11a-5:30p. I hope you’ll come by, say hi, and support a talented local trans artist who’s building community, growing their business, and making our team brighter every day.
Get To Know Soph
What drew you to your field and what makes your approach different from others?
I’ve been called to art longer than I can remember. I feel like since I was old enough to hold a marker I’ve been creating art. It was never something I ever had to think about, I just am an artist, it’s my vocation. I approach my art from a place of love and obsession.
What is a mile stone that you are proud of?
The biggest project I’ve ever completed was my senior thesis exhibition for my undergraduate art program at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Our Love Lives Where We Left It was my first ever multimedia installation recreating the campus apartment my best friends and I shared. The installation included three 36 x 48 inch paintings suspended from the ceiling that collaged our best memories together, both in painted collage as well as cut paper collage on the sides and back of the canvases. Objects in the living room could be spotted in each of the three paintings. The project took around six months to complete, requiring endless nights in the studio throughout my last semester. For months, peers and professors alike told me my project was extremely ambitious and they weren’t sure how I would make it all come together. Honestly, I would not have pulled through if I hadn’t had my beautiful friends, the subjects of the piece, to support and uplift me during the process. With my deep love driving me, I was able to accomplish a project so beyond anything I had ever completed before.
What inspires you? Were do you go for inspiration?
My last answer may have given it away, but my inspiration comes from the people I love. I have always been drawn to the figure and my friends have been my best models. When I’m feeling stuck and can’t figure out what to paint, I look through my camera roll for pictures of my loved ones. I’m inspired by interpersonal connection and intimacy, so I like finding candid pictures where someone’s emotions come through in their body. The way they hold themselves or how they touch another person.
Tell us your favorite secondhand story as a shopper for seller.
Tucson there is a small chain of secondhand book stores called Bookman’s that also sells music, videos, and wares. I’ve moved around quite a bit in the last few years and there’s truly no equivalent. When I was in high school, my car radio was broken and the stereo would only take cassette tapes so I started buying Bookman’s $1 tapes. I started going to each of the three store locations and ransacking their cassette sections. Even after that car kicked the bucket I kept my tapes and now they’re one of my most prized possessions.
What is something that your learned recently?
I recently learned how to change a flat tire! A very important and gender-affirming skill to have.
Name someone or a company that you admire and why.
I really admire Susan Sarandon, both as an artist and as an activist. Not only is she a beautiful woman with generational run as a performer, but she is also an outspoken human rights advocate. Susan Sarandon is one of many activists who has loudly opposed the ongoing genocide in Gaza since 2023. I just really admire when people in the entertainment industry with such large platforms use them to stand up for injustices no matter what repercussions it may have on their careers. While Susan Sarandon has already had an illustrious career and doesn’t stand to lose much in that regard, she is currently putting her life on the line for the dignity and humanity of Palestinians. If I could achieve one tenth of what she has in her lifetime I would be satisfied.
What does “thoughtful consumption” mean to you?
In our world, it’s really difficult to be a wholly ethical consumer, but I think thoughtful consumption means taking the time to think about your purchases and where they’re coming from. Not buying more than you need and putting in the effort to find things that will last. Thoughtful consumption is shopping with purpose and integrity.
You are making a Portland must-see list. What is on it?
This is a hard one because I’m famously a homebody, but my top five places I’m taking someone who’s never been to Portland are:
- SCRAP Creative Reuse
- The Hollywood Theater
- Clinton Street Theater
- Peninsula Park Rose Garden
- The Florida Room
Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel most like you?
My favorite outfit is a retro sweater, stone wash jeans, and my beat up Reebok sneakers. I feel the most like myself when I’m dressed like an 80’s/90’s dream boy.
How do you spend your free time?
When I’m not working or doing art, I spend my free time dog sitting for my sister, sewing patches in my brother-in-law’s pants, or watching movies. Sometimes I do them all at the same time.
Three things: the best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or listened to, and the best thing you ate recently.
The best thing I’ve read this year is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. The best thing I’ve watched is AMC’s Interview With The Vampire. I’m serious when I say everyone needs to be watching this show, you will laugh, you will cry, and you will scream for more. The best thing I ate recently were gluten free apple bars made by my lovely coworker, Emillie.
x Soph
