About the Artist
Sophia Gillenberg is a digital media artist whose works derive from her vibrant passion to bridge the gap between her imagination and her reality. Creating this bridge allows her to create a special place for unbridled self expression. Sophia has constantly struggled since birth with finding a means of communication between the two worlds due to several learning disabilities. Through art she allows the world to view her inner self whether it be the stresses of everyday life to the struggles of being a person with disabilities in a world that seeks to constantly demean and discriminate those with disabilities. When her parents were told that Sophia would be severely dissabled both mentally and physically they had a choice to make. By believing what was in their hearts and in Sophia a healthy girl was born. However after birth it was discovered Sophia had a series of mental disabilities and was told she would never be able to achieve the same level as a person with no disabilities would at anything. Sophia is now defying all odds and is now a first generation college student who has earned numerous awards for community service promoting women in stem as well as the capability of disabled. Showing that she not only can but, shows that she can flourish, proving that she is not defined by her disability. When she puts her mind to something she is an unstoppable force. Learning 5 different coding languages on her free time along with her knowledge of All Adobe Creative cloud products, Maya, Blender, zBrush, SketchUp, Unity, ibisPaint X, AutoCad, all Microsoft product, InShot, Clips, Arduino, 3D Printing, Mural Work, Printmaking, Sculpture, Welding, Soldering, electrical circuitry, CNC Milling, lathing, and more. From playing with sketchup in 3rd grade during free time to creating 3D models, glitch art, and more Sophia is dedicated to pursuing her lifelong passion of becoming the best 3D modeler and animator. Everyday Sophia takes one step closer to her dream learning from her peers and taking advantage of new ventures Sophia is now the CADRE Mentorship program club treasurer. To Sophia her dream is not a pipe dream it is a matter of when. She has the determination and drive and often lives by the motto “Express your individuality, be comfortable in your own skin, crush your life goals, find strength in your flaws, and support one another”. These pieces reflect where Sophia has been and the capabilities/potential she has to take herself to her goal and beyond.
