Sophia Macias, previously Sophia Eisenbart, is a BFA graduate from Austin Peay State University working in collage, paint, and digital formats.

Art has always been an integral part of my life, serving as a medium through which I express my identity. My journey as an artist began with my mother introducing me to art, having personal painting classes, and later in college, where I grew a deeper love for painting, collage, and papermaking from my professors. During those years at APSU, while I was having fun getting my BFA and meeting wonderful artists and friends, I began to discover the art found in the ordinary.

I know it sounds cheesy to say I love trash, but in my early adulthood, amid all the drama and stress, I really bonded with the ordinary and often overlooked objects, especially paper. These pieces of paper hold so much information; their entire identity is front and center. You see where they came from, how they were used, with scribbled words, thoughts, and reminders—including how important they were (or not). I recognized that who we are is everywhere if you are observant enough. Who I am, a Hispanic artist and High School Art teacher, is in everything I do.

This fascination with "trash" deeply influenced my creative process and continues to inspire my work. I take all of these pieces of myself—my scribbles, receipts, drawings, proof of my existence—and arrange them into a collage. Once the collage is complete, and if I am satisfied with it, I begin to paint it. The aftermath of these paintings usually makes me feel as though I have brought a person to life. Maybe not myself, but a person caught in a moment of time, and whatever they were experiencing having been frozen with it.

My work is a reflection of my 'Proof of Existence'—my cultural heritage and personal experiences, blended with contemporary techniques to create pieces that aim to connect with a person’s emotional intelligence.

Growing up in a community rich with traditions, I was exposed to various artistic expressions, from intricate textiles to vibrant festivals. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for craftsmanship and the stories conveyed through art. My work often draws on these traditions, creating dialogues that rest in a sea of bright colors.

One significant influence on my art is the concept of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and transience. This philosophy resonates with my approach to found materials, as I embrace the flaws and imperfections in the objects I collect. By incorporating these elements into my work, I aim to highlight the beauty in the imperfect and the transient, encouraging viewers to appreciate the stories embedded in everyday objects.