Artist in a studio holding a paintbrush, surrounded by paintings and art supplies.

I’m a mixed media artist living on the wild and beautiful coast of Vancouver Island. My work is built from fragments—torn paper, vintage letters, scraps of sheet music, old maps—and from memory. What begins as chaos becomes a quiet, layered harmony. That’s the kind of beauty I believe in: not polished or perfect, but whole.

I was born in Argentina, and I carry that boldness with me—in my colors, in my spirit, and in the way I trust my intuition. I never begin with a plan. I let the piece guide me, layering and tearing until it begins to speak. Collage gives me freedom. The tearing is a release. The rebuilding is how I make sense of things—emotionally, visually, spiritually.

My art is shaped by distance. My daughter and husband live in New Zealand, and though I live here in Canada, the ocean connects us. I paint from that in-between place—from longing, from memory, from love stretched across hemispheres. The ocean’s pthalo blues and the deep greens of the moss-covered forests around me are constant companions on my canvas.

In 2016 and 2018, two of my artwork were chosen as cover art for poetry books by Shannon McEwen—an honor that felt like a true meeting of image and word. These collaborations celebrated the shared language of texture, emotion, and story.

I’m also an exhibiting member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, a community I’m proud to be part of. It’s deeply affirming to share my work alongside artists across the country who are just as passionate about exploring and expressing through art.

I create for people who crave beauty with depth—for those who feel the ache of separation but still believe in connection. For those who need solitude as much as they need love. For those who’ve lived many lives, carried many roles, and are learning how to bring all their pieces back together.

Each painting is a quiet place to land. A visual exhale. A reminder that even when life feels messy or uncertain, there’s a way to stitch meaning into the chaos. My collectors tell me that my work brings them peace, makes them feel seen, and somehow reflects their own inner landscapes back to them. That’s the greatest gift I can offer.

I believe art doesn’t need to shout to be powerful. It can whisper, resonate, and linger. That’s how I move through the world—and that’s how I hope my work moves through yours.

If you’ve ever felt something quietly familiar in my work, here’s why I think that might be.

I paint intuitively. I tear paper as a way of letting go—of surrendering to the unknown. I build layers slowly, in solitude, listening more than directing. My process is personal, reflective, and never dictated by trends.

It unfolds the way life often does—through intuition, patience, and trust.

If you move through the world in a similar way, this work might feel like kin. Like a mirror for something true inside you.

That quiet recognition—the sense that the art already belongs to you in some way—is the deepest connection I can hope for.

Abstract artwork with blue, green, and white textures, featuring circular and wave patterns.

I also take pride in my interpretation of furry friends.

I am also an animal lover and, as a pet mom myself, I have felt the unconditional love they share with us humans. I have many clients commissioning me to paint a portrait of their pet. Using their photos as reference and, paying close attention to their expressions and personalities, I carve dogs and cats alike from the canvas out.

Pet portraits: what happy clients have to say

  • A colorful watercolor painting of a fluffy dog with a focus on its face. The background features warm orange and yellow tones.

    “The 13 years of wonderful memories continue to live on every day in these amazing portraits. Thank you Silvina for capturing the spirit of our beloved Scout!”

    Valeria y Javier

  • Watercolor painting of a golden retriever and a yellow Labrador retriever close together.

    “We were very pleased with the way Silvina captured our two dogs. Their eyes were exactly as they are in real life and the whole painting looked like a photograph. It looked as though you could actually reach out and stroke them. Silvina is an incredible artist!”

    Barb and Roy

  • Painting of a fluffy dog sitting on grass with a textured, abstract background.

    “After seeing some of Silvina‘s art in her studio, I was confident to commission her to do a portrait of our dear doodle, Salty. I wanted to surprise my son for Christmas and he was truly pleased with his gift. She painted Salty’s character perfectly from the photos that she took. Salty is no longer with us, but we have a gorgeous portrait by Silvina on our wall to remember him always”

    Doreen

  • "I commissioned two pet portraits from Silvina for Christmas gifts. I am SO impressed with how they turned out. She made them look so realistic, and the details are incredible. My mom was obsessed with her gift!"

    Rochelle and Sue

  • Painting of three dogs with textured fur and varied colors against a blue background.

    Best gift ever!

    Sue

Curious about mixed media?