Artist's statement

I am a multidisciplinary artist specializing in drawing, painting, and ceramics. My work is an exploration of the complex, often unseen, relationship between science and religion—two fields that, at their core, seek to understand the nature of existence. I believe that art serves as a critical bridge between these two realms, translating empirical data and spiritual faith into a shared visual language. My paintings, using a multi-layered technique of acrylic and oil, investigate scientific concepts like cosmic geometry and molecular structure, rendering them in a way that evokes the sublime. This aesthetic of wonder is paralleled in my ceramic work. Inspired by ancient Eastern styles, my functional and sculptural ceramics explore the elemental nature of clay, fire, and human touch, echoing spiritual traditions that find reverence in the natural world. Through my work, I aim to create a space for contemplation, inviting the viewer to consider how the pursuit of knowledge and the search for meaning can illuminate each other.

Artist Bio

Born in Vietnam and relocating to the US at the age of eight, Sophia Tran's life story is one of cultural synthesis, a theme that informs and enriches their work. Their formal education at Brown University provided a foundation for a creative practice that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply personal. Drawing from years of dedicated practice and exploration, Sophia works across two distinct but complementary media: acrylic and oil painting, and ceramics. Their paintings explore the beautiful and complex friction between science and religion. At the same time, their handcrafted ceramics serve as a physical testament to how ancient Eastern techniques can be reimagined for modern utility. This fusion of influences results in a body of work that is both a personal history and a universal conversation.

Contact

Email

transoph@hawaii.edu