About The Artist
Sofia Rodriguez is a Venezuelan American ceramic artist whose vibrant, pop art–inspired work celebrates joy, color, and the beauty of cultural identity. Born in Maracaibo and raised in Caracas from the age of two, she grew up surrounded by art and the rich natural palette of Venezuela — deep blue skies, luminous light, perpetual spring, and the vivid colors of flowers and tropical landscapes. These sensory memories form the foundation of her creative voice and her lifelong love of bold, expressive color.
Her artistic sensibility began taking shape early in life. Rodriguez spent part of her childhood living in London, an experience that sparked her fascination with museums, design, and the global language of visual culture. Combined with her family’s passion for collecting art, this early exposure taught her to observe beauty everywhere — in objects, architecture, people, and the everyday world.
Before dedicating herself f to ceramics, Rodriguez earned a law degree with a specialization in labor law in Caracas and later completed a master’s degree at Harvard University in Management. Her path reflects a blend of intellectual discipline and creative instinct, both of which continue to influence her artistic process.
Rodriguez’s work is shaped by a life lived across cultures. After moving to the United States, she first lived in Boston, where she discovered a deep sense of belonging in the city’s warmth, openness, intelectual, and creative energy. She later settled in Chicago, a city whose architecture, dynamic cultural scene, and spirited people continue to inspire her daily. Her art reflects this mix of influences — the warmth and vibrancy of her Venezuelan roots paired with the energy, optimism, and cultural richness she has found across her life in the U.S. This dual identity infuses her ceramics with emotional resonance and a deeply personal sense of color.
Her pieces are known for saturated color, bold forms, and feminine motifs, including her signature red lips. Inspiration comes from everywhere: a quote on a poster, the packaging of everyday objects, tropical 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, supported by her husband, her greatest source of encouragement. Through her art, she continues to explore color, identity, and the emotional power of playful, vibrant design.
Artist Statement
My work transforms vibrant color and feminine symbolism into refined ceramic forms that evoke joy, curiosity, and modern elegance. Rooted in a pop-art sensibility, each piece explores the emotional resonance of saturated hues, sculptural silhouettes, and iconic motifs that reflect a playful yet sophisticated vision of femininity.
I draw inspiration from the vivid beauty of everyday life — a striking object, a burst of color, a moment of visual pleasure — translating these impressions into collectible artworks with presence and intention. Through a practice that balances precision, spontaneity, and rich cultural influence, my ceramics are created to uplift, enchant, and bring a sense of luminous vitality to the spaces they inhabit.