Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Silva
Hi Simon, 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?
Born in Mexicali, Mexico, I’m the seventh of eleven children, raised in the Imperial Valley near the Mexican/American border. Our family sustained itself by picking fruits and vegetables as migrant farm workers. From the tender age of six until I turned twenty-three, I joined my family in the fields, contributing to our livelihood.
Yearning for a better life away from the arduous fieldwork, I resolved to pursue higher education. As the first and only one in my family to do so, I enrolled at Imperial Valley College, earning my Associate Arts degree. Unsure of my path, I followed it with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Growing weary of the constraints of illustration and the dictates of others, I transitioned to painting, embracing the life of a fine artist. My narrative caught the attention of others, leading to invitations to speak to at-risk students in Los Angeles. Thus began my journey as a public speaker, fueled by my life’s experiences, which eventually culminated in the authorship of several books.
Since then, I’ve carved out a career in painting, public speaking, and writing. My artwork has graced esteemed venues worldwide, while my speaking engagements have taken me across the country, delivering lectures and workshops. Currently, I’m engaged in a new lecture series titled “Creating Sustainable Equity Through the Arts,” collaborating with professionals, educators, students, and parents to foster inclusivity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been marked by numerous hurdles, beginning with my parents’ indifference towards education. They deterred most of my older siblings from even contemplating college, pulling them out of school during their junior high and high school years.
Stepping into the realm of higher education was a plunge into uncertainty for me, compounded by financial constraints. Growing up in a tight-knit community of roughly 3,000 residents, the transition to Pasadena for the Art Center College of Design was a seismic cultural shock, laden with daunting challenges.
Even after earning my degree from such a prestigious institution, I found myself at a loss, lacking guidance and support. Starting afresh, devoid of resources or aid, became my reality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a fine artist, I draw upon my past and present to fuel my creative vision, crafting images that reflect my life’s journey. While I once focused on portraying field workers to inspire others, my current focus lies in blending present experiences with past memories, addressing lingering sentiments.
In my role as an author and speaker, I persist in championing the arts, advocating their pivotal role in shaping our future, particularly amidst the era of artificial intelligence. I endeavor to catalyze change within our education system, reinstating a profound appreciation for and integration of the arts into everyday life and learning.
What I treasure most is my ongoing journey of learning and growth, both personally and artistically. As an artist, author, and speaker, my proudest achievement is my unwavering commitment to evolve.
I believe my distinctiveness stems from my ability to derive inspiration from my diverse experiences and infuse them into my art and life. I hold firm to the belief that our greatest strength lies in our individuality.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can show your support for my endeavors by attending my art exhibitions or joining me for my speaking engagements. Alternatively, even a simple gesture like reaching out and posing questions can make a significant impact. In an era rife with ghosting and indifference, fostering genuine connections remains paramount. There are countless individuals whose paths we have yet to cross, each holding the potential to enrich our lives. Therefore, I encourage everyone to persist in reaching out to those they admire or whose work resonates with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simonsilva.com
- Instagram: @simonsilva.artist
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=6NDcwIxnm26ubndV1MvcTA&utm_source=ishare
- Other: https://www.simonsilvaspeaker.com
