Sophie Lien wins Youth Category of 2025 Phoenix Art Prize

SOPHIE Lien has been recognised for her creativity and passion at this year’s Phoenix Art Prize 2025, held in Bowraville.

The 22-year-old local artist won the Youth Category with her striking ceramic works of “Superstar Stacy” & “Windy Wendy.”

The Phoenix Art Prize 2025 celebrates artists of all ages and abilities, providing an inclusive platform to showcase original and expressive works.

Sophie told News Of The Area that her art is inspired by the rich traditions of ceramics and her desire to challenge convention.

“The [ceramic] medium is such a diverse and variable medium that has so [many] historical connections,” she said.

“I like to flip it on its head and give traditional ceramic wheel-thrown forms a drag-like personality that is over the top –  with colourful glazes and a pair of eyelashes to add an extra touch of modern influence.”

Sophie’s lifelong aspiration is to be part of the evolution of arts in this generation – for the Mid North Coast region.

This comes from her admiration and respect for other local renowned ceramicists who have inspired and encouraged her to keep working and developing her art practice and style.

“I hope to collaborate with other artists who share similar ideas and influences.

“I like how my art serves as representation for people in the queer, neurodivergent and youth environments and communities.”

Sophie says she uses her art as a way to express topics close to her heart.

“As a queer, neurodivergent and young artist, I hope to use art as a voice to help these communities, and to continue on in the neverending learning of ceramics.

“The mix between traditional ceramic forms and colourful, contemporary drag-like personas, has always been a main focus of my art, with my ceramics and my drag persona Ema Stoner,” said Sophie.

The winning works are now on display at the Nulla Nulla Gallery in Kempsey’s Slim Dusty Centre, until 13 December.

By Sis HIGGINS