Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Silver.
Hi Alex, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
About two years ago, I started making art as something to do when the surf was flat. It was an activity I’d do for fun on the weekends to help stay balanced from the long work weeks. When the pandemic hit, my career as a Sports Chiropractor took a brief pause. The spread of the virus and restrictions of human to human contact made my job virtually impossible to perform. It was during this time, the pandemic shutdown, that my art career went into hyperdrive. What existed as a weekend hobby became my everyday activity. Quickly, I fell deeper in love with the creative process, painting multiple pieces a day. I allowed the creative human inside of me to roam free. When I wasn’t painting, I was thinking about painting- when I would walk outside, I’d see inspiration for new colors to use. As soon as I’d run out of canvas, I’d paint on all my broken surfboards. This hunger and drive to create continually grows each day. It turns out that the rollercoaster ride of this process is what makes art so much fun. Looking back, I would say that it was the brief pause of life that allowed me to get to where I am today.
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?
The road certainly has had its fare share of pot-holes and speed bumps. In the midst of pushing an art career, I’ve also opened my own private Chiropractic practice in Santa Monica. As someone who’s extremely driven and focused with what’s in front of them, launching two new ventures simultaneously in the middle of a pandemic has taught me (and continues to teach me) a handful of life lessons. One of which I feel passionate about, which is patience. To successfully be “patient” takes a great deal of talent. We live in a society that is ruled by instant gratification. Our brains have become programmed to expect results and outcomes quickly. Creating and building something great, however, takes time. At the end of the day, practicing patients while doing everything you can to make your dreams come true is all that matters.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I think it’s important to amplify a message that needs to be heard. I feel this message is what uniquely sets me apart from others. The message being (in no particular order, but a huge emphasis on number six): 1.) Don’t be a dick 2.) Treat others how you would like to be treated 3.) Lose your ego 4.) Work hard 5.) Stay humble 6.) Love yourself.
A recent event that I’m very proud of is when a painting I donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was selected to be shown at this year’s LA Art Show.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when my little brother, my best friend and I traveled to a surf camp in Costa Rica for two weeks. We scored some of the best surf and ate amazing food- still think about it til’ this day.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: alexsilverdc.com
- Instagram: h.a.n.d.art
Image Credits:
Simone Staff, Chris Bagôt, Jake Pollock
