Sofia Rodriguez is a Venezuelan American ceramic artist whose vibrant, pop art–inspired work celebrates joy, color and the beauty of cultural identity. Rooted in the rich visual traditions and expressive palette of Venezuela, her early experiences surrounded by art and vivid tropical colors shaped her creative voice and her enduring love of bold, saturated hues.

Before ceramics, Rodriguez earned a law degree with a specialization in labor law in Venezuela and later completed a master’s degree at Harvard University. Her path reflects a blend of intellectual discipline and creative instinct, both of which continue to influence her artistic process.

In the United States, Rodriguez discovered a new source of inspiration in the country’s landscapes and dramatic seasonal changes. The distinct colors of American autumns, winters, springs, and summers — from gold and crimson foliage to crisp blue skies, soft pastels, and bright summer tones — expanded her relationship with color and added new depth to her work. These seasonal contrasts, so different from the perpetual tropics of her childhood, now play an important role in her ceramic practice.

Rodriguez’s work is shaped by a life lived across cultures. After moving to the United States, she lived in Boston, where she discovered a deep sense of belonging in the city’s openness, intellectual, and creative energy. She later settled in Chicago, a city whose architecture, dynamic cultural scene, and spirited people continue to inspire her daily. Her work reflects the influences of a life lived across cultures — the warmth and vibrancy of her Venezuelan heritage paired with the openness, optimism, and freedom she has embraced as an American. This dual identity gives her ceramics both emotional resonance and a distinctly personal aesthetic.

Known for saturated colors, bold forms, and feminine motifs, including her signature red lips, Rodriguez inspiration comes from everywhere: a quote on a poster, the packaging of everyday objects, colorful fruits, bright flowers, changes in seasons or any burst of color that catches her attention. Through these elements, she creates work designed to spark curiosity and joy — to make viewers smile and feel uplifted.

Sofia Rodriguez lives and works in Chicago, with her husband, her greatest source of encouragement and her 2 beloved dogs, Principe & Mila. From there she explores color, identity, and the expressive potential of vibrant, modern ceramics.