Sophia Yvette Steger is an Australian contemporary artist and multibusiness owner currently studying philosophy and undergoing a BA in Psychological Sciences and Counselling.
As a passionate explorer of visual arts, knowledge and creative expression of the human heart and mind, Sophia's curiosity drives her towards understanding the world around her and helping those who sometimes need assistance processing life personally or in business. She focusses here energy on teaching women and children to better know and empower themeselves by engaging in life fully through their create pursuits, talents and skills.
Sophia believes we're all born with the innate quality of creativity and artisitc expression. That when embodied and practised frequently, it enriches and transforms ones life. Embracing creative solutions and activities creates strong frameworks for individuals to expand, play and explore the world around us. 'When we step into our expansive selves, the application of this modality can heal challenging life experiences. Big on the healing therapy of art, Sophia sees artistic expression as the true lens of life to live through.
Ms. Steger's Creative Wellness Studio is situated on the Mornington Peninsula where she paints, studies, teaches & explores nature freely from the inspirational surrounds of the water and Australian bush near her home with her family.
Studio Connect - aptly named; facilitates art classes & workshops for the people in her community, as well as creative mentorship programs for women in business.
Always broadening her skill set & techniques, Sophia is now embarking on philosophical, psychology and counselling studies to expand her knowledge and experience, to be of further assistance to those she mentors and teaches.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Sophia loves painting in acrylic, watercolour and mixed media. Writing, textiles, sewing and jewellery design are also other oursuits along with running the 'Expand Your Knowledge' book club at Liefde Wellness Centre in Seaford.
She loves spending time with her family day tripping the Mornington Peninsula and Dandenong Ranges, when not managing Room Trader & Co. her homewares + lifestyle store in Seaford.
Launched in 2018, RT&Co she hit the ground running with a curated collection of makers, creators and artisanal brands specialising in unique & timeless wares, natural beauty products and textiles. Realised from a long held dream, RT&Co is a retail platform that supports and focuses on local small batch artists who embrace slow-living & sustainable production - the foundation of her business vision. At present taking pause while Sophia studies.
"As an artist myself I understand the effort, patience & passion it takes for artists of the world to be seen and supported. Too often we fall for fast fashion, trends and one use or seasonal consumables that are unrecyclable, ending their life in landfill. Small, considered production, natural materials and slow living sustainables are the future."
"I'm continually adapting my business and studio practices to do better, we're not perfect but lead from a learning state for environmental conservation, but also, because small batch making has Provenance. A makers mark is imbued with story, forever connecting you to its creator and inception. Objects like these, the ones RT&Co. curates, have an heirloom feel, superior quality and hold memories. Memories that move with us through the rooms of our homes of our lives."
She goes on to say -
"When art is used as a vehicle for knowledge and understanding, making something with your hands connects you to heart space, those around you giving the whole process unquantifiable value and meaning."
Sophia is loooking forward to what the future brings, how she will be able to utilise her new skills whilst continuing to create art, exhibit and connect with her clients and students.
