Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Chitikov
Hi Sofia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was a teenager. My early years were spent adapting to a new country and culture, while pursuing my education, eventually earning a BS from the University of Florida and an MBA from Northwestern University. For 15 years, I thrived in product development and innovation, but in 2017, I felt the pull to explore my long-standing passion for art. The leap into an art career was a natural progression, blending my background in innovation with creative expression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been anything but linear, but I’ve always approached it with a sense of curiosity and an openness to learning from each experience. Rather than setting rigid expectations, I allow the process to unfold organically, which has made even the challenges feel like valuable lessons. However, one of the biggest hurdles I face is balancing my full-time career with my art practice. Time is always the thing I wish for most—there are never enough hours in the day to fully dedicate myself to my creative work the way I’d like to. Still, this balance between my 9-to-5 and my art has taught me discipline and the importance of prioritizing what I’m passionate about. Every step, no matter how demanding, has contributed to my growth as both an artist and a person.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is centered around creating abstract, textured wall sculptures and mixed media pieces that stand out for their intricate surface details and dynamic compositions. I specialize in using a unique process where I create my own materials, such as acrylic paint chips, which I apply to canvases and sculptural forms to build depth and dimension. The pieces are often richly textured, with bold, vibrant colors, and shimmering elements like diamond dust and glass, giving the work a striking, tactile quality that invites viewers to engage both visually and physically.
I’m most proud of the distinctiveness of my artistic process. Each piece is carefully layered and constructed, and this attention to detail makes my work feel alive and constantly shifting with light and perspective. What sets me apart is the physicality of my work — it’s not just painting, it’s sculpting and assembling, creating pieces that feel as much like objects as they do artworks. My work stands out because it bridges the gap between painting and sculpture, offering something unique to both collectors and viewers alike
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As a newcomer to Miami, I’ve been captivated by the city’s unique blend of high energy and laid-back atmosphere. There’s an inspiring vibrancy here, yet at the same time, a calmness that’s deeply grounding. Everywhere I look, there’s something to spark creativity — whether it’s the ocean’s shimmering waters, the inviting beaches, or the lush greenery of palm trees and tropical plants. And then there’s the contrast of modern skyscrapers, glowing city lights, and neon signs, creating a dynamic fusion of nature and urban life that constantly fuels my imagination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sofiachitikov.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiasartlab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SofiaChitikovArt
