We were lucky to catch up with Luz Rodriguez Dager recently and have shared our conversation below.

Luz, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’d love to share a project that reflects my commitment to infusing art with a powerful message. I’ve always strived to create series that begin with a concept, an idea that allows my imagination to speak out vividly. My art encompasses themes of body positivity, self-love, depression, loneliness, and more.

For my process, I started with a simple yet compelling idea, something that stirred my own emotions and thoughts. It was important for me to create artwork that not only appealed to the eye but also resonated with the viewer on a deeper level. So, I embarked on a brainstorming journey, thinking about how I could translate this idea into a visual story.

Throughout the process, I constantly asked myself how I could make the message more impactful. I experimented with colors, composition, and symbolism to ensure that each piece carried a distinct and resonant message. My projects aren’t just about creating beautiful images; they’re about constructing narratives that inspire, provoke contemplation, and initiate meaningful conversations.

Luz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Luz, but you might know me as Ms. Roda. I was born in the beautiful country of Ecuador, and these days, I call the vibrant streets of New York my home. My artistic journey has been quite an adventure, starting when I was just a kid, lost in the world of painting and hyper-focusing in any that let me create. But when college came arround, I chose what seemed like the “secure path” graphic design.

It wasn’t until my final year in college that I realized my true passion lay in being an illustrator, an artist, and a maker. I wanted to create beautiful things and use my art to convey messages that stirred emotions. With this newfound clarity, I embarked on a journey to reinvent myself.

My journey into self-discovery involved building a presence on social media and fine-tuning my skills as a self-taught artist. Along the way, I explored diverse courses, from ceramics to narrative art, to hone my craft. Then, in 2019, I made a life-altering decision to permanently move to New York and wholeheartedly pursue my art. Those initial months were challenging, as transitions often are, but they played a pivotal role in shaping my recent creations.

One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered as an artist is that internal ‘reset mode.’ You know the feeling – despite knowing all the steps, it’s like I’ve forgotten how to start. This battle between my creative desires and moments of self-doubt has become a central theme in my recent works.

My art revolves around deeply personal and universally relevant themes, including body positivity, self-love, depression, loneliness, and more. However, my projects aren’t just about creating visually pleasing images; they’re about weaving narratives that provoke thought, inspire conversations, and ignite meaningful connections.

Today, I’ve managed to merge my skills in design, illustration, and my ‘maker’ spirit to craft a truly unique artistic experience. My journey is a continuous exploration of self and creativity, and keep growing using art as a tool.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Moving from a different country and culture to New York was a profound, life-changing experience that tested my resilience. I had to embrace a new way of life, adopt new habits, and confront various challenges. Starting from scratch can be incredibly demanding, but I believe I underwent a positive transformation. While it hasn’t been easy, this journey has been a significant growth experience, shaping me both as an individual and as an artist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to create on any level and witness how people can engage with and be moved by something I’ve crafted. The ability to express my thoughts and emotions and connect with others is truly fulfilling and is a feeling that is hard to express just by words.

Contact Info:

• Website: msroda.com
• Instagram: ms.roda
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/luzrodriguezdager

Image Credits
I have the rights of the images