Reviews & testimonials
a social super-conductor artist
“I am writing to provide my wholehearted endorsement of M Sophia Santiago. It's Sophia’s passion for connecting with her artistic peers and seeing collaborative projects to their fruition that has made the entirety of our collaborations so rewarding and vibrant to witness.
I first got to know Sophia’s artwork through peers at the Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz, where Sophia cultivated a reputation for being a model of the highest caliber. Sophia approaches her modeling with a sincerity, flair and professionalism that make her stand out superlatively. Secondly, I became familiar with the work that Sophia has done as a photographer, and as a writer myself, I was delighted to engage in a number of conversations with Sophia about the nature of art and the goals of an artist across mediums.
But more so than her warm personality and fierce dedication to her own craft and as a role model in the arts, it is Sophia’s unique ability as a social super-conductor that ensures she is a credible artist and a benefit to any Community. After the release of her inspirational bi-lingual, health awareness tiny books “Food Love” and "Alimento Y Amor", Sophia had the tenacity to take on coordinating her mural project based on the books she authored displaying her multi-lingual visual message in front of the local downtown farmer’s market in Santa Cruz, California.
There is so much support for the arts and the art-appreciators of this world that radiates from M Sophia Santiago."
Poet/Teacher - Kevin Devaney l Brewster, MA l May 2017
One of a Kind artist
"M Sophia Santiago is a one of a kind artist. As a photographer, artist's model and producer of art projects, she brings forth a commitment to excellent execution. Because she loves what she does, her energy and vision comes up from a bottomless well. Sophia does not give up and finds ways to get projects executed with pure class.
I worked with her on a calendar project celebrating Women of the California Coast. She gave a lot of non-models easy to follow direction. Her ability to collaborate, communicate clearly and engender excitement during all phases was truly phenomenal.
Sophia’s vision and art are unstoppable. Art which has a need to be expressed is sometimes the best art of all.
If you want to collaborate with an artist who has fire in her soul and a sparkling vision in her eyes, M Sophia delivers on than promise."
Accountant - Laura Ludwig | San Francisco, CA | May 2012
How to Shoot From "The Inside Out"
"M Sophia has a knack for making people comfortable during a photo shoot ... and her natural gifts help her subject's organic beauty and their spirit show up in the images. Sophia brings her professional modeling expertise to the sessions, knowing a photo shoot from the "inside out". She has a keen eye for impeccable style and artistry, and a whimsical sense of fun and humor."
Pacifist/Novelist - Rivera Sun | Taos, NM | June 2014
leveraging imagery in natural light
"From 2009 to 2011 I had the joy of co-curating a breathtaking photo exhibition entitled, “A Study Of The Female Form under The Bixby Bridge/Big Sur” by Photographer M Sophia Santiago at my downtown Apothecary in Santa Cruz, California.
The exhibition was photographed along the lushly wooded creekside and breathtaking ocean landscape of historic Big Sur; a part of M Sophia’s “Celebration of the Female Form in the Landscape” series which also included a 13-month self-published color Calendar Project, highlighting M Sophia’s luscious aesthetic for composition, along with her sensibility for the beauty of natural light in her art works."
Entrepreneur - Deborah P Schatan l Occidental, CA l June 2010
committed community artist
"M Sophia graciously accepted my invitation to Jury a Seaside Art Exhibition including ceramics, paintings and photography. Sophia did a superb professional job executing this task. When we met in a painting class taught by Big Sur oil painter Erin Lee Gafill in 2015, I realized Sophia was knowledgeable in many facets of the fine art world.
As an experienced Fine Art Figure Model and an accomplished photographer who has devoted her passion to capturing women in natural light in the landscape for almost 20 years Sophia was active in the Carmel photography scene with a women's photography group. Sophia was awarded First Prize for two of her pieces in the juried exhibition entitled SOLSTICE in 2015 (by Ted Orland) at the Carmel Visual Arts Center.
M Sophia is a committed community artist who in addition to modeling and producing her art also authored the tiny books “Food Love” & “Alimento Y Amor” that were a tribute to food justice and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative. Imagery from the books became the subject of the three panel mural entitled "Food Love" in Downtown Santa Cruz’s Farmers’ Market (dedicated in 2016).
Not only is M Sophia an active community member, she has an inspiring social media presence where she brings her talents and wisdom to the world."
Artist/Acrylic Painter - Jan Ziegler l Monterey, CA l June 2015
fine art figure model m sophia
"I first met M Sophia when she came to model for my life drawing sessions at the Tannery Arts Center and the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center. She is a wonderful and inspiring model. Drawing and Painting session artists enjoy her as a model immensely. Sophia interacts vigorously within the Bay Area arts community, sharing her passions, knowledge and her joy of life. She also created her Certified Fine Art Figure Modeling curricula & workshops to mentor interested prospective professional models. Sophia also parlayed extensive modeling experiences into a local exhibition retrospective entitled, "The Long View" featuring artwork from well known American Artists. She also produced a local mural installation downtown working with school age art students and a team of experience mural painters. M Sophia definitely brought personal quality and aesthetic value to our community."
Fine Artist/Mentor - Linda A Levy l Santa Cruz, CA l June 2016
empowered Brave Free spirit m sophia
"What I most admire about Sophia is her free spirit of expression. It's is a beautiful thing. Sophia is a visionary, creative, powerful woman. In photography, she understands light and makes models comfortable. She exudes confidence and zest for life. Her long career in the arts shows drive and commitment. Sophia’s work ethic empowers all women to believe in themselves.”
Poet/Teacher - Nelda Nichole Kerr l Oakland, CA l August 2019
