Ebb and Flow: Creativity Amid Life’s Demands
The Emotional Language of Art: How does art allow us to express emotions that words cannot?
Art, in its many forms, has an incredible power to communicate feelings that words often fail to capture. Art provides a language of its own—a visual and sensory medium that can bypass the constraints of verbal expression. One of the most fascinating aspects of art is its ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries. A painting or a sculpture can speak to a viewer in a way that words may not, offering a shared emotional experience despite differences in language or background.
In my art, I strive to create a space where emotions are felt, not just understood. Whether it’s the deep blues and greens in my landscape collages or the symbolic elements I weave into my mixed media pieces, I aim to evoke universal emotions like joy, loss, or nostalgia. What’s so powerful about art is that it bypasses the need for specific words—it communicates directly with the viewer on an emotional level. My hope is that anyone who encounters my work feels a personal connection, even if their emotional experience differs from my own intention.
Some emotions are just too abstract for words to grasp. That’s where my experimentation with abstract forms comes in. I explore layers, textures, and symbols that speak to these inexpressible feelings. Take my painting Her Name, for example. The intertwining elements of pearls, manuscripts, and flowers serve as a metaphor for the complexity of memory, identity, and connection. These abstract elements are my way of translating something deeply personal into a visual form that, I hope, speaks to viewers in their own unique way. In this sense, the abstract nature of my work opens the door for different interpretations, allowing each person to tap into their own emotional response.
For me, art is not just about creation—it’s also about healing and understanding. When I’ve experienced moments of grief, like the loss of Polo, my beloved dog, my art has been a way to process those feelings. Painting Polo’s memory, for example, allowed me to honor his presence in my life and work through the sadness in a way that words couldn’t express. Art became my therapeutic outlet, providing a space where I could externalize my emotions and make sense of them. It’s this rawness in my work that I think connects most deeply with others, especially those who are navigating their own emotional landscapes.
In every piece I create, the color choices are intentional and driven by the emotions I want to convey. Similarly, the textures I incorporate—whether through layered collage, mixed materials, or gestural brushwork—add another dimension of feeling. In my abstract pieces, for instance, the tactile nature of the surface invites a more intimate interaction with the viewer.
What I find most profound about my art practice is the vulnerability it requires. Art, for me, is an intimate process. Whether I’m painting, collaging, or experimenting with new media, I’m often diving deep into my own emotional experience. By sharing these works, I’m opening up a part of myself that is not easily shared through conversation.
And as I share my work, I invite others to enter this space where emotions are felt and understood, not through language, but through the universal and timeless language of art.
Time vs. Inspiration: How do you find the time to create art amidst daily responsibilities?
As an artist, balancing daily responsibilities with the pull of creativity can be tough. But when you’re also navigating unemployment, it brings a different kind of pressure and, perhaps, a unique opportunity. For the past three months, I've been without a traditional job, and while it’s been an adjustment, I can’t help but wonder if this period is a sign—a nudge to fully embrace the time and space to create.
Without the structure of work, I’ve found myself questioning how to stay motivated. There’s more time now, but also a sense of uncertainty that can be hard to navigate. Still, I’ve come to realize that this unexpected break might be an invitation to lean into the creative process in ways I haven’t before. It’s about carving out moments, even if they are small—whether it’s a few minutes sketching between tasks or longer stretches in my studio. Inspiration doesn’t follow a schedule, but I’ve learned to be open to it, wherever and whenever it strikes.
Being flexible with my time has allowed me to find a new rhythm. The freedom of unemployment has turned into an opportunity to embrace my art in a deeper way. Perhaps this pause is a sign, encouraging me to dive into my practice and explore the creative flow that’s often buried under daily responsibilities. Creating art, even in small doses, adds richness to my days and reminds me that sometimes, the time to create shows up when we least expect it.
Adapting to Change: How have life transitions or changes in your surroundings influenced your creativity?
Life’s always changing, and with every shift—whether it’s big or small—my creativity seems to shift too. I’ve come to realize that change doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. It’s just another chance to see the world in a new way, and I’ve learned to embrace it.
One of the biggest changes I’ve had to adjust in the last few years is living so far away from Silvi. It’s been a huge shift, and at times, it’s felt like there’s a hole in my day-to-day life. But that distance has actually given me a lot of time to reflect, and it’s made its way into my art. I’ve been diving deeper into ideas of memory and connection, especially when you’re not physically close to someone you care about.
Then, there was the loss of Polo, which completely shifted how I saw and made art for a while. That time of grief helped me create pieces about love, loss, and the memories that stick with us. And when I try out new things, like collages or landscapes, I find that my surroundings—whether it’s a peaceful walk or my own little space—always show up in my work.
The thing I’ve realized is that change isn’t something to fight against. It’s part of the process. It can unlock all kinds of new layers of creativity, even in the quieter moments. So I’ve learned to trust that even the smallest change can lead to something really beautiful.
Creative Highlights
I'm excited to announce that I have been accepted to exhibit at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox this May. I'll be showing my work alongside talented artists Maggie Ziegler, Sharon Lalonde, and Susan Purney-Mark. The exhibition is called Beyond the Horizon, and I look forward to sharing my latest creations with you all.
As I prepare for 2025, I'm excited to stretch new canvases and take on fresh creative challenges. This summer, I plan to participate in the Central Island Studio Tour again, where I'll be showcasing my work from home. To make this experience even more special, I'm in the process of acquiring a canopy tent and with my loving partner, top fan and supporter, James, we will be building panels to create a welcoming space for visitors. Stay tuned!
I'm excited to announce that I now offer gift vouchers for the Stick 'n Sip Party, perfect for a creative and fun gift. Additionally, I'm starting to book the first few parties for 2025, both on the island and on the mainland. To reserve your spot, simply email me to book—I'm looking forward to creating memorable experiences with you!
I'm thrilled to share my new greeting card bundles, featuring beautiful botanical motifs inspired by nature. If you're looking for a specific theme, feel free to email me with your suggestions, and I’d be happy to create a personalized greeting card deck just for you!
Happy New Year from my studio to your home!
Thank you so much to all of my fans and supporters—your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me. I’m excited for what 2025 holds and can’t wait to share more of my creative journey with you. If you’re not looking to buy art right now but still want to help, sharing my Instagram and Facebook pages with your friends would mean so much. You can also check out my YouTube channel for new Footage and Steps videos, where I capture the walks that inspire my art. Feel free to share this email as well to help me grow my community and reach more people. Wishing you all a happy, inspiring, and art-filled New Year!
Silvina
