Meet South Florida Sculptor, Painter & Mixed Media Artist Norman Silva

Sculptor, painter and mixed media artist Norman Silva is a multidisciplinary artist whose work has been exhibited with galleries within South Florida and the United States. He received his Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Silva is currently exhibiting his work in the group show ‘New Industry: Contemporary Visions of the Industrial‘ at The Frank art gallery in Pembroke Pines, Florida. This is an exhibition focused on industrial aesthetic, blurring the lines between fine art, mechanical design and fabrication while also challenging traditional artmaking materials and techniques. New Industry is on display through October 26th, 2019.

The artist has several shows taking place within South Florida, works are on exhibit and available at Studio 18 in Pembroke Pines through November 6th, and the Arts Council of Martin County for the 29th Annual All Florida Juried Art Show at the Court House Cultural Center in Stuart, Florida on exhibition through December 19, 2019. Silva also has work being showcased during Hispanic Heritage Month on exhibition at Broward College’s Bailey Hall in the group show, ‘Celebrating Our Latin Roots‘, on view through October 26th.

Silva is known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and limited edition works. We recently had the pleasure to chat with this extremely versatile artist to learn more about his art career and current projects:

Q – What is the best part about being an artist and how did you get started on this path?

A – There was never a moment that I can point to as the moment when I knew I wanted to be an artist. However, the earliest memory I have of my first artwork happened in Nicaragua when I was about 5 or 6. I made a human figure out of clay from the bottom of a swimming hole at my grandfather’s farm high in the mountains of Matagalpa. It may sound cliché, but I did not choose this path. My artistic path has not been straight or continuous for me. I took the exit ramp a few times and once that took years to get back on the path. I am on it again and there is no exit in sight. The best part of being an artist is the finished art piece and then sharing it with the public.

Q – Where does your inspiration come from?

A – The result of deep introspection is personified as my current series of sculptures focused on what is important to me: my family, my ethnicity and my well being.


Q – Can you tell us what your creative process is like?

A – It varies. Sometimes the idea comes first; sketch it out; then build the sculpture. Other times, I visualize a sculpture from just handling a piece of steel or wood.

Q – What connection do you have to your art, what does your art mean to you?

A – Even though one of the goals of an artist is to sell artwork, sometimes I get saddened when a piece goes to a new home. My sculptures are therapeutic channels that embody deep feelings and angst.

Q – Is there an artist who you admire most or who inspires you?

A – Of course the masters that span the renaissance, the impressionists and modernists inspire me. But the artists that truly inspire me the most are my contemporaries. It is amazing what they are doing out there. Artists like Abdiel Acosta, Raymond Saa and Caiphus Moore to name a few. I am witnessing their artistic and professional growth.

Q – What has been your most touching or amazing moment you’ve experienced as an artist?

A – When I got chosen as one of six artist to be a part of the New Industry exhibition at the Frank in Pembroke Pines, curated by Joshua Carden. It was the first time I’ve seen so many of my pieces on exhibit at one time.


Q – What advice can you share for anyone looking to pursue their passion in the arts?

A – Stay focused and take some business classes. The art world is a business that is not kind to artists.

To learn more about this fascinating artist, for sales information, commissions or general inquires, email  normansilvaart@gmail.com and visit www.normansilvaart.com / also browse artworks available directly through Silva’s online shop: www.normansilvaart.com/shop