Shawnick Rodriguez didn’t plan to start a business – she simply loved making art.
Art became a way to process difficult times, and over the years, it grew into Art By SIR, a brand that reflects her identity and Latin roots. What started as personal expression turned into a platform to share stories, celebrate culture and inspire others.
Rodriguez’s work includes paintings, jewelry, handbags and home goods. Drawing from her heritage, she creates art that feels joyful and meaningful, often connecting people to memories, emotions and a deeper sense of self.
Based in Fishtown, Rodriguez has built a space that reflects who she is and where she comes from. Art By SIR is personal and rooted in cultural identity.
We caught up with Rodriguez to discuss how she got started, what inspires her, and the role her neighborhood plays in all of it.
How did art first come into your life, and what led you to turn it into something as big and beautiful as Art By SIR?
Art first came into my life when I was a kid. I made art when I was a little girl, and it always brought me joy. Over time, it became more than just drawing or painting, it became my way of expressing myself and sharing my story. That passion eventually grew into Art By SIR, a way to create something bigger than me and connect with others through my work.
You don’t just paint, you also create jewelry, home goods, bags, all kinds of things. What made you want to explore so many different forms of art?
I’ve always loved fashion, so it felt natural to explore wearable art. Painting was my first passion, but I wanted to push myself and see how my art could be carried, worn and lived in. Creating jewelry, bags and home goods allows me to take my creativity off the canvas and into people’s everyday lives. It’s another way for art to tell a story and travel with someone.
Shawnick Rodriguez’s work draws from her heritage, often connecting people to memories, emotions and a deeper sense of self.
Your art is bursting with bold, bright color and cultural pride. Where does that vibrant aesthetic come from, and what does it mean to you personally?
I’ve always loved bright colors, and growing up Puerto Rican in the ‘hood, my culture and surroundings were full of life. My art is my way of celebrating that pride and energy.
Out of everything you do, is there one type of project that feels closest to your heart?
What feels closest to my heart is seeing people wear my jewelry or seeing my paintings come to life on a canvas and all around my home. It’s amazing to see my art become part of people’s everyday lives.
One of your taglines is,“I paint culture, so it will not die.” That is such a powerful statement. What does that mean to you and how does it shape the art you make?
That tagline really comes from my love for my Puerto Rican roots. I want to preserve the culture, stories and energy that shaped me, and painting is my way of
keeping it alive. Every piece I create – whether it’s a painting, jewelry or home goods – is infused with that culture and pride, so it can continue to be celebrated and shared with others.
You work across so many mediums. How do you decide whether something becomes a painting, a necklace or an item for the home?
It usually starts as an idea for a painting. From my paintings, I draw inspiration to create my jewelry, bags, and home goods. That’s how my art flows from one medium to another.
Running your own art business is no small feat. How do you balance creative work and entrepreneurship, and what’s been most rewarding about it so far?
Balancing creativity and entrepreneurship has definitely been a learning curve. As an artist, I just want to create freely, but as a business owner, I’ve had to learn to structure multiple things like pricing, marketing and time management. At times, it’s overwhelming, but it’s also pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
The most rewarding part has been seeing people connect so deeply with my work.
Fishtown has such a unique vibe. It’s creative, colorful and always evolving. How has being part of that community influenced you or your work?
There’s such a strong sense of artistry here, from murals to small businesses, and it pushes me to keep experimenting and growing.
