Growing up in France, Sophie Binder would often interrupt her parents afternoon espresso with her crayons and sketches. “Op, Sophie s’installe,” her parents would say—“Sophie’s settling down.” While drawing is certainly Binder’s natural state, she has never settled in her life. Her story is one of curiosity, mentorship, and capturing the world in ways that accentuate its natural beauty.
Binder always knew that she wanted a career in art. The youngest of eight, her parents encouraged their kids to go after their dreams and to not be afraid. This lack of fear is visible through every piece she creates, every adventure she takes and the full effort that she gives to everything she does. Binder came to the United States in her 20s for consulting and design work and ended up staying. Her art portfolio has stretched across countries, mediums and platforms.
At the start of the pandemic, Binder began an exercise with herself—a challenge to draw something everyday, hoping to keep routine during uncertain times. She soon got addicted and has not stopped drawing. She is approaching her 2,000th sketch—and you can find each one on her socials @softhefrog. Social media brought her a community that looks forward to sharing the way that she sees the world. “It’s not about doing this extraordinary drawing everyday,” she explains. “It’s about finding out how anything can be interesting.”
Her wood burning journey started with a $20 wood burner, which has now created art pieces that are a part of State Parks, nonprofits and even climbing projects. She uses her years of line-based sketching and watercolor within her wood burning to create pieces that amplify the way that the world can make you feel both calm and amazed.
Today, Binder spends most days in her studio at MADE Makerspace. Located on the Delmar Loop, it’s a place for creatives of all kinds to enjoy a collaborative space where they can learn from each other in a safe environment without all of the upfront costs that equipment and classes usually present. “I have been a member for six years,” she says “I love the possibilities of being a newbie at something—it doesn’t matter how old I am.” The creative hub is a unique St. Louis resource where woodworking, metal work, 3D printing, screen printing, fabric work and more can be picked up by anyone. MADE Makerspace was badly damaged in the May tornado. Their front store is still under repair, but their classes and workshops are in full swing!
One could write a book about adventures and lives that Binder has been a part of—in fact, she has! Binder self-published a book about the 14 months in 2001 that she spent riding her bike solo across 14 countries to sketch each one. You can find the whole story (The World, Two Wheels, and a Sketchbook) and more on her website, sbinderdesigns.com.