Andrés Silvera — ARTIST

Andrés Silvera

Interview with artist Andrés Silvera —

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Andrés Silvera and I’m a visual mixed media artist from Toronto, Canada. My main subject matter is surreal portraiture.

2. Why art?
Because its the one thing that is 100% mine, its my escape from every day life and where I feel safe and myself. It helps get my thoughts and feelings out on canvas or paper and say things without ever having to say a word.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I’ve been drawing since I was really young, so it would be really hard to pin point the exact time, but I think probably closer to my late 20’s is when I realized I really wanted to become an artist, before that I was too afraid and shy to show my work in public, and it was just something I did for myself as a release.

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
Portraiture is by far my favorite subject, there’s just something about being able to capture a persons emotions or expressions that I just love. As for mediums, I love working with water colours because of their fluidity, they are so relaxing and I love seeing the painting come out of the wet paper as if it was always there just waiting to be revealed. I also like working with acrylics and industrial enamels from time to time and the medium I use, depends on the piece I want to paint and the sentiment I want to capture.

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
I start off with a general idea and normally do a quick sketch of what I want to portray, once I have that down, I kinda just go with the flow and let the painting develop on its own, I try not to over think things and just do what feels right, I prefer to work without an exact preconceived idea in my head, and just let the piece be what it wants and was meant to be.

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
I’m a huge fan of Lora Zombie and Craola, I think they are both phenomenal artists with incredible talent.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
I’ve received a few letters and emails from people that have written just to tell me how one of my pieces helped them or a friend though a tough time, that they felt a connection with my work and understand the message behind them. When I explain my work to people they are normally surprised to learn that each of my characters is a reflection of myself, personified in someone else, so when they understand they message behind a certain piece and can connect with it its a huge accomplishment, that feeling of not being alone in what you are feel sometimes.

8. What do you like about your work?
I guess I would say that its me personified into others, without a lot of people realizing it, I like the fact that each of my paintings has a story behind them and a reason for being and the fact that I can put my own life experiences out there for others to see, without them ever noticing its a side of me they are looking at.

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
Paint because you love it, not because you aspire to become rich and famous, art is so personal and different for each person, that you should let your true colours shine through and be true to yourself and your own style no matter what people may think if it. Be proud of what you do, and never stop trying.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I would love to open a gallery for emerging artists, a place that unseen talent can come together and be show to the world, because there are so many incredible artists out there that truly deserve a chance to shine.

Andrés Silvera

Links —

Website: www.andressilvera.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andressilvera.blackbird
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/andresilvera
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andres.silvera/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndresSilvera9

Video links:

‪The wait – Watercolour – speed painting video‬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01qYlYAuZsA

‪Mayhem – Watercolor speed painting‬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uPg_RGefzU

‪Crazy – The Joker – Watercolour speed painting‬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZ1cP53uaM