Q. Are there
any current art movements, other than installation art, that hold your imagination,
or that you find particularly interesting?Q. Are there
any current art movements, other than installation art, that hold your imagination,
or that you find particularly interesting?
A. I do not necessarily follow any particular art "movement." Interesting work is interesting work. I am drawn to work that has strong images, good craftsmanship and has a vocabulary that speaks to the viewer.
Q. What inspired you to be an artist?
A. I do not think it is a question of being "inspired," it was more of an issue that it is the only thing I ever wanted to be. I have been fortunate over the years to have people in my life that helped me develop my skills and supported my vision.
Q. Is it easier to get gallery space in local galleries, or ones in other Cities and States?
A. I feel when your work is defined it is more a question of finding a good venue for the work and finding an agent that you can have a good working relationship with. You want to work with people that respect your work and you. Whether I show in a profit or nonprofit gallery is not important to me.
Q. When you are making your pieces, is there anything that you find particularly difficult?
A. How I am going to present the work after it is finished is always an ongoing nagging question. That even includes how to choose a frame for a drawing or painting. A lot of good work is overshadowed by poor presentation.
Q. Judging from the works that I have seen, you seem to be obsessed with the act of braiding and knotting. Is this always where your pieces start?
A. I care about the process of handwork and the spending of time over a piece. For me, the labor process gives me the time to think through the development of an idea and the form. The concerns I bring to the work are rooted in the tension between our human relationship with the natural environment and the value of time spent with a task.
Q. Do you think of yourself as a sculptor?
A. I think of myself as a visual artist. Images are what I make, some fall into the sculpture category.
Q. Supposing that someone currently making or considering making art comes across this article, and is drawn to your way of seeing, are there any words of wisdom that you would like to offer them?
A. There are areas of art making that require you learn skills. Sometimes this happens before the creative process kicks in; sometimes the skill learning happens because it is the only way to manifest the image. I recommend:
1.Experiment with a wide variety of media. You never know when it is going to support an image you have in mind.
2. Follow your instincts and intuition. Art is a right brain activity, rely on it. It is important to do what is right for you and the image. Sometimes materials can lead you, other images, even day and night dreaming.
3. When you offer your work up for criticism, accept it on technique/presentation. This is valuable information for your growth. Also, be aware of how your image is being interpreted. Do not take in assaults on your spirit or vision. That always needs to be protected.
Jude Silva has been an active artist for the last thirty years. She began her art education in 1976 at San Jose City College where she earned an AA in Visual Arts in 1978, and a BFA in Painting in 1981. She then attended San Jose State University where she earned an MA in 1991 and then an MFA in 1993 both in Spatial Arts. For more images, and further information about Jude Silva, visit her web site at www.judesilvaartist.com.
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