Sophie’s Art Factory Sophie Dervieux
How did you get started creating? My love for the arts started when I was very young. My grandmother was an artist and I developed this passion through her. When my parents were working, she would watch me and have me draw, paint, sculpt, and write – always something creative!
What brought you to Naples? I was born and raised in France, and in June of 1997, my parents, little brother, and I moved to Naples. We were all very excited to be moving to the USA. It was a big change, but my parents enrolled us in summer school right away to make sure we stayed busy and had no time to miss friends and family. I don’t think my brother and I suffered the “cultural shock” people usually experience when moving to another country. My parents still go back and forth between here and France to work. I’ve had to do that a bit myself, but Naples is my home.
How did you begin your career as an artist? I was always a good student, but I excelled in art classes and they
were always the most fun for me. In August, 2001, I left Naples to attend college in New York City. I studied Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, International Law, and French Literature, but my first love was still the arts. My parents finally accepted the fact that I had artistic talent and a passion that I should pursue. Since then, they’ve been my biggest fans and have motivated and pushed me to follow my dreams. September 11th occurred two weeks after I moved to the city. It made
me realize that life is not a fairy tale and living in NYC wasn’t going to be easy. I stayed for eight years, returning to Naples regularly to visit family and friends. After working in an art gallery for about two years, I decided to move back to Naples and open my own studio. I love this area because of its charm, calm and peacefulness. Naples is very unique, and over the past few years the art market has really grown and evolved. Some of the local art shows are rated in the country’s top 10!
What are the various mediums you work in and which is your favorite? I have tried many mediums, including acrylic, charcoal, pencil, pastels,
different sculpture materials, wood, and plastic. I love the feel of oil and the fact that it takes longer than acrylic to dry since I like to add layers, washes, and textures. I also love ceramics. It’s special to create an art piece with your hands from beginning to end, and I enjoy the process of waiting for the clay to dry, then choosing glazes from the many different colors. You always start with a certain idea in mind, but sometimes the outcome is a big surprise, so I like the uncertainty. Soon I will start exhibiting more ceramic works at the gallery, and one of my goals this year is to try glass blowing. I went to the Naples Pier one evening with my father, Dominique
Dervieux, and we talked about trying 3-dimensional artwork. How great would it be to have something different than a regular framed painting on a wall? These days everything is in 3D: movies, television shows... so why not art? We started developing the concept, and completed our first piece about a year and a half ago. We developed the technical part together, and I handle the artistic side of each piece. Sometimes you really have to think about the meaning of my work to fully understand it. There are a lot of little details that might be overlooked at first glance, but just keep observing!
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Since opening Sophie’s Art Factory, how do you feel about opportunities for local artists? The official grand opening reception for the gallery was September 1, 2011. On the following Monday, two walk-ins placed custom work orders for their home and business. I’m not sure how the Naples market is going to treat me yet, but I am following something my father told me: “Expect the worst and hope for the best.” I already know that the Naples art market is very different from New York. Artists in Southwest Florida really have to put themselves out there, network, be seen in every art show, and keep believing in their work. Luckily, Sophie’s Art Factory is located in an industrial area known as the “Naples Art District” because of all the art studios and galleries. Living in Naples doesn’t mean artists can’t exhibit work in other parts of the world, and that’s also what I am trying to accomplish. I’m in contact with a few galleries from different cities as well as different countries. I try to keep an open mind, and exhibiting in other countries always gives me an excuse to travel!
Your 3D pieces are very interesting and intricate, how are they created and how long does it take? My 3-dimensional pieces are created from drawings, paintings or pictures that I have taken. Many times I rework the images digitally to enhance some colors, or to see what combination will look best for the final piece. That artwork is then applied on a rigid material and routed out. This procedure is repeated with every panel, and the process takes a long time. Depending on the intricacy required, the time frame for completion is typically three weeks to two months from start to finish.
Your current exhibition is a reflection on 9-11. You were in New York at the time of the attacks, what did you experience that day? On September 11, 2001, I planned to spend my school day shopping by the World Trade Center complex.
Fortunately, I decided to attend
class instead. While taking a test, there was word of a horrific accident in Manhattan, and students and professors rushed to the nearest television. We watched the images of crashing airplanes and collapsing buildings in horror. The amount of hate and lack of respect for life was overwhelming. On that day I knew the world would never be the same. I have dedicated this past year of my life to complete a collection of
20 pieces that honor our country and heroes. I used oil paint and different techniques to add texture and depth to my work. None of these paintings were painted with a paintbrush. I wanted to feel everything. I used my hands to mix, spread and work the colors and lines, and used these as techniques for the entire collection. The drips represent the tears people shed throughout the world after the attacks on America. I wanted to create a collection that would remind us not only of the pain and suffering of that day, but also the positives. The humility, kindness and personal sacrifice of so many are the lessons learned from this event, and a “Hope for Peace” mindset should be in our hearts and souls.
What do you hope people take away from your show? People have been really enthusiastic about this collection and the new, unique 3D style I’m bringing to the art world and to SWFL. I’m a very modest person and don’t particularly enjoy the limelight, but I appreciate the emotional impact my work has had on everyone who has sees it – it’s been an unbelievable feeling.
Where can people go to learn more? Sophie’s Art Factory is located at 2154 Trade Center Way #1 in Naples.
The hours are Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, evening and weekends by appointment. The World Wildlife Foundation is sponsoring my next collection entitled “Endangered Species,” and we’ll be hosting a big event. Starting on October 5, 2011, Sophie’s Art Factory will be participating
in Underground Art Wednesdays, happening the first Wednesday of every month during season. The 9-11 Collection can be viewed in its entirety online at
www.sophiesartfactory.fr along with additional explanations or visit
www.wallsculpt.com. For more info, please call 239-596-0606.
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