Meet the artist behind our Bay Area yard signs
We are so excited to be officially serving the Bay Area and helping folks in a new part of the country waste less. To help our Bay Area members share their Ridwell pride, we’ve been working with a local artist, Sophie Tivona, on a unique Ridwell yard sign. This yard sign partnership is a beloved tradition that we do whenever we expand somewhere new. It's a way to put down roots, support a local artist, and give our members something with real flair and personality they can be proud to put in their front yards. We recently sat down with Sophie to learn more about her. Let’s get to know Sophie Tivona!
When did you start making art? What mediums do you like to work in?
I've always been a creator and into crafting and started making art when I was three. I grew up in Berkeley and ended up going there for undergrad and studying art. That’s when I started painting. I started with oil painting because that’s what the school taught, but I quickly found some issues with the chemicals in oil paints and how long it took to set up and clean up.That’s when I decided to switch to watercolor. Since the school didn’t have watercolor classes at that time I had to teach myself. So I became a self-taught watercolor artist.
What's something you've learned from making art?
I've learned that practice really does make perfect. There's just no substitution for time and attention. When I was younger I thought I’d just hit on a winning combo every now and then. Now I realize the amount of work, dedication, and perseverance it takes to be an artist. You have to be fearless and just keep going and trust yourself no matter what. That takes a lot of self-motivation. Not everything turns out how you want, but that's actually how you have breakthroughs and find what you do want.
What's your favorite thing about being an artist?
I enjoy making things and being a creator. It's in my DNA. I'm grateful to be able to be an artist. I enjoy getting to play every day.
What were your inspirations for making the Ridwell yard sign?
I wanted to showcase my vision of the Bay Area. I grew up in Berkeley and live in Oakland, so for me the Bay Bridge, not the Golden Gate Bridge, is what has always symbolized the Bay Area. I see the Bay Bridge is a connector and an equalizer. It’s an egalitarian bridge. Everyone has been on it and you can see if from all over. In my design the bridge also connects the natural world with the people and the cities.
What about the Ridwell mission speaks to you?
I really like the idea of finding a better use for trash and garbage. My sister in law works in the EPA as a waste manager, so the mission hits very close to home for me. We've had a heavy focus on recycling and trash in my family for a long time. I'm always trying to donate anything I can. Through this I’ve learned that it’s complicated to find the right place to donate things and figuring out how to dispose of things safely is often a hassle. So as soon as I heard about Ridwell the mission made a lot of sense to me.
Why do you think folks in the Bay Area should join Ridwell?
I think that cleaning out your house is appropriate any time of year, but especially now around the holidays. Ridwell is a great service to try out when you're trying to start fresh and do something right. It's a nice way to turn a new leaf in your home and how much waste you create.
What are your favorite things to do in the Bay Area on weekends?
I love attending local events like craft fairs. That’s where I do much of my selling. I’m always looking for places to shop small like different pop ups. I also love hiking in the hills around Tilden and visiting the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden.
Want to learn more about Sophie and support her work? Check out her website and be sure to follow her on Instagram!
Live in the Bay Area and want to get your own awesome Ridwell yard sign? You can request one here!