According to her brief biographical statement, Silvia was born in Brazil, and she spent her childhood surrounded by an artistic environment provided by the many musicians in the family. Raised and educated in Brazil and in Israel, she went on to enjoy a successful career as a chemical engineer both in Brazil and in the United States where she has lived since the 1980’s.
Since her retirement she has dedicated her time to her painting career and has exhibited her work at a number of juried art shows in Florida where she now resides. Her work can be found in several private collections in the USA, Canada and Brazil. She is also an active participant of the organization Oil Painters of America, the Pastel Society of Eastern Florida, the Vero Beach Art Club and, of course, the Treasure Coast Women’s Art Association.
Silvia prefers the Impressionist and Abstract style and draws her inspiration from nature. “Nature is my most constant source of inspiration. I am particularly attracted to the landscape of the West and Southwest. What usually grabs my attention first are the colors and designs within nature but many times the paintings that are dearest to my heart are the more subtle ones which have a more introspective nature and are the most difficult to execute due to the very subtle passages.” Silvia often works, “ in the afternoon and evening as I am not a morning person. When painting in "plein air" it is usually dictated more by nature than by me.”
It is no wonder that Silvia’s amazing paintings are able to evoke the pride of, “being able to share with the viewers the impact the subject has on me.” The subject of many of her paintings, the natural world, is captured and magnified with each skillful stroke of her brush. Silvia also shared that the message she would like to get across in her work is, “to preserve and share the beauty of the world around me as I see and interpret it." The development of this artist’s skill makes the preservation clear. Silvia has captured this natural scene and preserved it forever. The viewer can look to her painting as a window into that scene at that time.
When asked about roadblocks that came her way, Silvia stated, “Many times my analytical and precise brain get in my way and I have to remember to just enjoy the process.” Thankfully, she has learned to do just that.
Alane drove up from Jupiter to meet with us. She is a member of the Mixed Media Madness group in Palm Beach Gardens, where I first met her. She is a multi-talented crafter, working mostly with paper crafts and knitting. Alane is a manager at Crafts & Stuff in Palm Beach Gardens, where I'm told they just started carrying a more complete line of fine art supplies. I'm anxious to get down there and check it out.
Stacie is a metalsmith, jewelry maker and mixed media artist. When I saw this ring on her blog recently, I fell in love. I asked her to bring it to the Kick Off so I could see it in person. She is such a sweetheart! She not only brought the ring, she gave it to me! ♥ And in an amazing synchronistic twist, she looked over to my wall and in a bit of shock and astonishment, she asked if the flower painting (seen below) had been on my blog previously. When I told her that it had, she said the ring was crafted after that very painting. She had seen it on a blog, but couldn't remember where exactly. Amazing! It is such a small world and I love moments like this.
Tara spent the evening working on jewelry and painting while she and Katrina chatted about poetry and fiction. Both aspiring writers, you can see some of Tara's poetry on her blog and Katrina has just begun a new blog feature called Fiction Friday, where you can read an excerpt from one of her short stories.
Katrina's writing talent has been an enormous help with this blog. She has written most of our Feature Friday articles and she wrote a wonderful article about her experience meeting with us last month.
I snapped a few pictures of these three amazing pieces that Lori painted in the short time she was here last night. Her work is absolutely incredible in person. Have you had a chance to read the article Kat wrote about Lori for Feature Friday last week? Lori's talent and accomplishments are truly amazing.
Here is Katrina in action working in her art journal.
“I am passionate about creating art that encourages connection, validates emotion and nourishes the soul.”
–Carmen Torbus
This week we at TCWAA decided to turn the tables and interview our alliance founder: Carmen Torbus. Carmen is a young, dynamic new artist who feels that art, “fills my emotional bank. When all the things that aren't enjoyable begin to drain me, working in my studio for a few minutes always makes me feel better.” She recommends that new artists “do what comes naturally, artistically. Try new things. Seek other artists to connect with and toss around ideas and have get-togethers.” It is this philosophy that created the blog that you are currently reading.
Carmen enjoys mixed media art, often working on canvas or wood with acrylics and papers. She also enjoys creating encaustics, also known as hot wax paintings.Selling her first commission was a turning point for Carmen, in that it was, “when it really hit me and I felt confident referring to myself as an artist.”
Leave a comment and you could win the locket set seen above!
Carmen is giving away a locket set to one of our lucky readers! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by Tuesday, June 30th. the winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 1st. QUICK-FIRE Q & A
Q: If you could only keep 3 art supplies what would they be? A: Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide Paint, Black India Ink and paper
Q: How would you make art if you were stranded on a deserted island? A: I would find or make some kind of carving tool to carve inspirational or motivational words into my surroundings... little reminders not to give up hope.
Q: How do you organize your art supplies? A: That's a joke right? I have supplies everywhere. I think if my studio was neat and tidy I probably wouldn't be able to find anything.
Q: What comforts you? A: Homemade potato soup, acoustic music, painting with my fingers and when all else fails, chocolate cake always works.
Q:Do you listen to music when you create? If so what kind? A: I do. I have pretty eclectic taste in music. When I'm in the studio, I have a playlist that has a lot of acoustic, folksy sounding music mixed in with bands like Matchbox 20, Pearl Jam, Maroon 5, and Train; and also some Alanis Morissette, Natasha Beddingfield, Dido, Sara McLachlan, and Feist.
Q: Picasso had a blue period. If you painted in one color family what would it be? Why that color? A: Hmm, I've always been drawn to fall colors. Golds, orangey-yellows, browns and deep reds, but lately I've had a thing for blue-greens. I'm not sure what it is about these colors. The fall colors are very comforting and soothing - they draw me in and give me a feeling of safety and security. The blue-greens are a little more bold and I think that is in direct correlation to the person I'm becoming. I'm coming out of my shell a little and letting a little more of my light shine. Stepping out of that autumn tinted comfort zone.
Q:What makes you happy? Sad? How does that appear in your art? A: Big puffy clouds make me happy... always. And the stars. Maybe it's just the sky itself that does it. I could stare at the sky for hours. I love taking pictures of the sky and I love to share them on my blog. My blog is an extension of my art - another way for me to express myself creatively. I often express my emotions through my art and through my words and photos on my blog.
Q: What inspires you? A: Other artists who are following their dreams really inspire me. Connecting with other women and talking about goals and dreams is another great source of inspiration for me.
Q: Cats or dogs? A: I can't choose. I love them all.
Q: Monet or Warhol? A: Van Gogh
Q: Trademark art symbol? A: If you look closely, you will almost always find a scribbled flower on my paintings.
Q: Paint or Pencils? A: Both! Lately I've been combining the two and I'm loving the results. If I had to choose one, it would be paint.
Q: Salty or sweet? A: I like them together. Popcorn and M&Ms, Doritos and Hershey's bars, yum!
Q: You’re not in Kansas anymore are you Dorothy, er, I mean Carmen. A: Ha! No and I don't plan to click my heels any time soon.
Q: What time of day do you like to create? A: Late at night. My best work is done between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Q: What is your favorite adjective? A: Mucho
Q: With a full time job, 2 kids and the TCWAA how do you make time for art? A: I don't sleep. Actually, I work on art when I can fit it in. I don't have a specific time. Sometimes I paint with my 7-year-old, she has her own little corner in our home studio. I almost always have my sketch book with me and sketch when I can. Most often though, my best artwork is done late at night when it's quiet in the house.
Q: What’s the weirdest thing you ever painted? A: Does painting my kids faces before a hockey game count? Let's Go Buffalo!
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure? A: Cinnamon Dolce Lattes and Pumpkin Loaf from Starbucks... and art books and magazines of course.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We hope to see you all tomorrow at Carmen's House!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our official Kick Off gathering will be on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at Carmen's house in Port St. Lucie email me for the address: carmen.tcwaa @ gmail.com! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't forget to leave a comment to enter Carmen's Giveaway!
Our official Kick Off gathering will be on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at Carmen's house in Port St. Lucie email me for the address: carmen.tcwaa @ gmail.com!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you're wondering what to expect when you arrive, read this post or read Katrina's article describing her experience meeting with us last month.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Until we meet again (or for the first time), Carmen
Some artists look to the human form for inspiration, others to common objects and some to their religious or political beliefs. Our Feature Friday artist, Lori McNamara, takes her inspiration from, “Florida’s natural beauty.” As leader of the Plein Air Artists of the Treasure Coast, Lori enjoys painting outside. She uses her paintbrush as a butterfly collector would use a net to capture the stunning quality of the Sunshine State.
Lori sold her first painting at the age of eight and is now, “one of the most prolific women painters in the United States, having painted well over 1000 paintings.” As a member of the Daily Painters online and the Treasure Coast Art Association, Lori produces oil paintings, often using a painting knife to create a texture that she prefers.
Lori does enjoy various types of media but states that she especially enjoys painting in oils. Although she spends time painting outside she also works in her studio. “I like small paintings the best, and I have done some miniatures that were the size of business cards.”
If Lori had to choose a painting she is proud of it would be a painting of, “some seagulls flying over the Indian River. I am proud of that one.” She is also proud to, “have stuck with it and not given up. I also have reached the stage where I like my own work.” Thank you for sticking with it and adding to our many inspirations, Lori.
You can view Lori’s artwork at http://lorisart.blogspot.com, at the Grant Antique Mall, 5900 US1 in Grant, Florida and in downtown Fort Pierce at 124 N. 2nd Street.
Tara Hartten, an up an coming local artist has always love to create. Her first love is the pencil but just recently has been dabbling in acrylic paint with a little Mixed Media flare and jewelry making.
Tara said, "My inspirations comes from the sky, the ocean and other creative people. I love the high I get when I'm totally engrossed in a project."
Kay said her favorite items in Lauren's shop are the soothing shells. Email your address to carmen.tcwaa@gmail.com so Lauren can send you the gorgeous painted shells you won!
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Be sure to check back tomorrow for our Feature Friday Artist of the Week!
Bring your favorite art or craft supplies for an evening of art, conversation, laughter, tunes, food and fun.
Last month, Lauren brought her seashells and tiny paintbrush.
Katrina brought her art bag filled with her art journals and favorite pens, markers, collage elements and more.
Tara brought her portfolio with canvases, papers, pastels, and works in progress.
Christine came for some "me time" with no intention of painting and ended up picking up a paintbrush for the very first time. She said she's looking forward the next get-together and and now she even invited a friend of hers to join us!
Rumor has it that one of the attendees will be bringing her knitting and two other ladies will be working on their jewelry projects. Can't wait to see what everyone is working on. I get so inspired when I see other people doing what makes their heart sing. Don't you?
Something powerful happens when women come together for a common goal. The goal of the Treasure Coast Women's Art Alliance is simple - to empower women through art.
I've found that when I am around other women, each of us doing something creative that we love, it gives us the courage to embrace vulnerability, share our experiences and feel safe to freely create, with no inhibitions.
No pressure. No negativity. No right or wrong way to create - anything goes.
Whether you enjoy painting, knitting, sculpting, writing, poetry, jewelry making, collage, mixed media, scrapbooking, or anything else, I encourage you to come and spend an evening with us.
I've also found that when I do embrace vulnerability and share who I am, share my art and talk about my dreams and goals... I leave feeling empowered. I leave feeling validated. And most of all, I leave feeling inspired.
The Official Kick Off Gathering will be on June 27th at 6:00 pm. The plan is to meet at my home, as we did last month. If you plan to attend, please email me (carmen.tcwaa@gmail.com), leave a comment here on the blog or RSVP on our Facebook Group Event Page and I will ensure you have the address. For reference, I live in the SW corner of Port St. Lucie between Gatlin and Becker.
Tara tells me she's bringing her famous 7 layer dip! Mmmm! If you're famous for something yummy and want to bring it, feel free. Anything chocolate will get you bonus points from me.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me at carmen.tcwaa@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you on the 27th!
