Sofiya Inger is a visual artist who works with textile, acrylic, and mixed media to create paintings, wall installations, and unusual sculptures. She is based in Carmel, Indiana. "I decided to become an artist when I was in middle school, and I have been working on it ever since," she says. Sofiya partnered with Arts for Learning in 2005, and she holds a degree in Fine Art and Art Education from Kirov Art College. "In my art practice I try to show human emotions, aspirations, and the mysteries of everyday life," she explains. "I work with various materials, not always from the art store, but rather from nature and people's individual stories." Sofiya calls her art "personal, emotional, and honest." "I come from a different culture that students are curious to learn about," she says. "Through my art, I connect with them, tapping into our collective experiences as human beings. Students respond with their stories in both written and visual form, creating a multicolored tapestry of images and voices." To learn more about Sofiya, visit her website.