TikTok and Instagram are giving artists more visibility than ever before.
Not that long ago, it was exceptionally difficult to have your paintings viewed by people all over the globe. Nowadays, artists can record a video at home and share it with the world in a matter of minutes. What is more, they can record themselves at work, demonstrating their process and showing just how much time, effort, and skill goes into their art.
One day, while I was scrolling aimlessly through my own Instagram reels, I came across a video posted by @SILVI_the_artist. I watched as she threw paint at an empty canvas and my jaw dropped when she transformed the random splashes of colour into a breathtaking portrait of an animal.
Eager to find out more about her work, her technique, and her thoughts, I reached out for an interview.
Hi SILVI, please introduce yourself. How old are you and when did you first start painting?
Hello, my name is SILVI, I am 23 years old and I am from Bulgaria. I have been interested in art since I was a child.
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by observing the details in my surroundings and trying to recreate them on paper. Until the age of 18, I developed my skills independently. Subsequently, I enrolled in higher education at the prestigious National Academy of Art.
Your painting technique is intriguing as your videos depict how you throw paint on an empty canvas. In these cases, do you know what you are going to paint before you begin or do you find your inspiration during the process?
In most cases, I have a clear idea of what I will be painting. Many of the artworks I share are private commissions that I have discussed with the client and presented a digital project sketch that reflects the vision of the painting.
However, many of my personal works are created without a prior project because inspiration comes spontaneously, and I experiment during the creation process.
What else can you tell us about your technique? How has it evolved?
After successfully completing my higher education, I had the exceptional opportunity to meet and work with the renowned artist, Georgi Andonov. I assisted him in various projects, and he, in turn, encouraged me to enhance my artistry. This opportunity was a great privilege and significantly contributed to the development of my painting technique.
Do you have a favourite painting? If so, what makes it special to you?
I have two favourite paintings that hold great significance for me.
The first one is Aqua, which symbolises my endless love for the depths of the sea and the diverse marine life inhabiting it. Every time I dive into this magical and different world, I feel inspired. The seabed transports me to a realm where all burdens and worries are nothing more than drops of salty water.
The second one is Unity, representing two kindred souls, who may appear identical at first glance but are actually very different. They are interconnected through love, freedom, well-being, strong friendship, partnership, constancy, and mutual complementarity.
As a talented artist who has their own studio, what advice would you give to those who would like to pursue a career in art?
I have overcome numerous personal conflicts and mental obstacles to reach the point where I can work in my own studio. This space allows me to pursue my own style and free myself from any inhibitions, simply painting and experimenting.
The key ingredient for success in any endeavour is perseverance, and art is no exception. Anyone who wishes to refine their artistry must draw every day and step out of their comfort zone by exploring various subjects and objects.
One of the most beneficial practices is drawing human figures with an anatomy textbook in hand. Although I have not yet reached the level of painting I aspire to, I know that it will happen sooner or later through dedicated work and effort.
Finally, do you have any upcoming projects you would like to share with us?
I have an upcoming solo exhibition at Arte Spa & Park Hotel in Velingrad, Bulgaria, which will take place from September 29th to October 27th. This will be the first opportunity for you to see the painting “Aqua” in person.
Follow SILVI the artist on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to view more of her work.
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