SOPHIE cangelosi
Photo by Rachel Darke
Sophie Cangelosi (she/her) (b. Portland, ME, 1993) is a multidisciplinary visual artist living and working in Rockland, Maine. Since receiving her BFA from Maine College of Art, she has exhibited work across the US.
Right Here, acrylic on birch panel, 48 x 24”, 2023
Focusing on painting and ink drawings, Sophie’s approach oscillates between abstraction and representation by weaving colors, textures, graphic shapes, and figures. Explorations of intimacy, temporality, and belonging are rooted in naturalistic observations. Sensory memories vividly inform her executive methods. Often not working from strict preconceived compositions, Sophie’s painting process and present intuition dictate the final composition of each work.
Quarry Recline II, acrylic on birch panel, 14 x 14”, 2023
How has/does Maine influence your practice?
I feel the most inspired when I’m in Maine. It’s home, the landscape itself is beautiful in its generosity and harshness, and so many of my closest relationships are here. The vividness of the seasons keeps me on my toes—the cyclical experience of the passing of time speaks to my queerness and inspires the ways I move through my practice.
Chestnut Tree, acrylic on panel, 13 x 13”, 2023
Your work is exceptionally colorful and playful! Is the concept of “play” an important aspect of your work?
Play is so important! Leaning into curiosity is what pushes me forward! Also as a figurative painter whose work is heavily inspired by my relationships, play is important both in and out of the studio. Absolutely.
(left) Working On It, 48x48”, acrylic on canvas, 2020. (second) Pink Cliffs, ink and gouache on paper, 2.5 x 3.75”, 2023. (third) Infinite Silk, ink, and gouache on paper, 2.5 x 3.75” 2023 (right)Awake Now after the Loon's Tremolo, 11x13”, gouache, graphite on paper, 2022.
how do you find creativity and inspiration when you’re in a rut?
I go on many walks alone and with my loved ones. There is so much access to incredible earthly space all around me. I am often seeking new trails and spaces to soak up through general observation, listening, birdwatching, foraging, swimming, cold dipping, etc. Being present with my senses, my perception, as well as the world moving and being as it will feels deeply inspiring. Additionally, time spent with my closest friends always gets my wheels turning. Sharing quality intimacy and connection—even grief—is an absolute life force.
Self Portrait with a Pileated Woodpecker, acrylic on wood panel, 18 x 24”, 2023
How does your art-making influence other elements in your life?
It kind of ties everything together. It gives me a concrete place to hold what is important to me. Also, my practice is a very concrete space to process, so it creates space for new perspectives and experiences. Sketching loosely as a form of field notes deeply enhances the way I move through spaces. It’s a form of documentation that allows me to remember but also allows space for change and continued interpretation as time passes. I feel the most like myself when I am moving through the cycle of observation, drawing, and painting.
(left) Oyster Shucker, acrylic on panel, 16 x 20”, 2023. (right) Tick Check, acrylic on wood panel, 24 x 24”, 2023.
What are you most excited about artistically in 2024?
I am always excited about the unknowns. Getting to know my practice better every year is always so thrilling. I am a lifelong learner and I am so eager to see what future studio time has to offer. Every opportunity that comes with it is an absolute cherry on top.
Courtesy of 82Parris, photos by Kat Miller. Sophie Cangelosi’s exhibition, Out Here, We’ll Find Us, August 2023.
The SPEEDWELL SPOTLIGHT is a series that focuses on living New England artists AND International artists, living and deceased, who we believe deserve greater attention. Our featured artists are all emblematic of our mission and sometimes will include emerging artists whose work is especially remarkable. Through these highlights, we hope to expand appreciation of the work of these significant artists well beyond the capacity of our physical walls.