Sophy Johnston
they/them
Middletown, CT, USA
Sophy Johnston is a primarily self-taught metalsmith based out of Middletown, CT. They currently explore themes such as the self, tension between shapes and materials, and deep discovery. Their connection to metals is a lifelong one, with their interest beginning in childhood and exploding in the past few years. Their hunger to learn everything metalsmithing is insatiable, as well as their drive to uplift and connect with other artists.
“My current obsession is exploring the depths of self. I have been processing childhood trauma in therapy since 2021 and, as I peel back the layers, my sense of self has been completely rocked. Lately I feel myself constantly shifting between feeling tender or tough, but never the same at the same time. This necklace was initially meant to be a companion piece for a necklace I had made for my partner, but as I was processing the distinct separation I experience between these two emotions, creating a necklace that helped me to identify this disconnection felt more urgent.”
“This necklace represents my current connection to myself. Processing childhood trauma forces one to dig into the very roots and core of identity and personality, begging one to examine and detach from the metaphorical bandages applied after each wound was created throughout childhood. It feels as if I’m starting all over again, discovering who I am without my trauma. I realized that the vast emotions I have experienced through this journey can be categorized in one of two ways: either tender or tough. Interestingly, I don’t experience these two emotions at the same time, which is why I had put the words on opposite sides of the pendant. The grittiness of the pendant’s surface represents what feels like the mud of my past that I am trying to dig and sift through. The chunkiness of the chain represents what feels like the weight of my trauma.“
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“There is a tendency for those who have gone through trauma in childhood to separate from the self and even reject the self. The pain of the trauma becomes too much for the body to contain and so there is a subsequent split between the body and brain. Through creating art, I am tuning into my inner voice, listening to what feels good and right in my core. Every piece I create represents one step closer to my true being. Currently, everything about my creative process has to do with my connection to myself.“
"Tender/Tough", copper, sterling silver, 10" x 3.6" x .38", 2024What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“Queerness is the very lens through which I experience myself and the world around me. It is what motivates me to question societal rigidity, personal rigidity, and the grey area that exists between and outside of all things opposite. Queerness has helped me understand myself, that I can’t and won’t be contained in boxes regarding identity or sexuality. It has helped me to carve my own journey in life, to reject anything outside of myself that doesn’t feel right. It allows me grace and understanding, both of myself and of others. Queerness is the driving force that helps me see the humanity in others. In my opinion, to exist is to be queer.“
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“The necklace can be worn showing either the ‘tender’ or ‘tough’ side. Ideally the necklace should be worn to match whichever internal emotion is currently being felt.“