Meet Silvana Cure

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Silvana Cure a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Silvana, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

I’ve never experienced having haters so far but rather naysayers, and persisting, despite their opinion, is fundamentally about having absolute confidence in your path and your work. Many people questioned whether it was wise to leave a stable career in engineering and architecture after 11+ years of experience. It was often people who are close to me and genuinely want the best for me. They often pointed out that the financial prospects were better in the architecture business. However, I had no doubt this was what I wanted to pursue, and collectors were actually seeking / buying my art, so I couldn’t ignore that passion.

It’s not about proving others wrong, but rather staying true to myself and my vision. Interestingly, as I’ve pursued this new direction, I’ve started to see success and validation in ways I would have never anticipated. The journey is just beginning, and I can feel it’s only going to get better from here. Believing in what you do, even when others doubt you, is key to overcoming any negativity and staying on the right path.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

There are so many experiences throughout my artistic journey that have helped me shape both, my identity and my creative process. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, i decided to study Civil Engineering, where I spent over a decade honing my technical skills and attention to detail through architecture projects. However, a transformative chapter unfolded the day I decided to explore my passion for art further.

Enrolling in Interior Architecture studies in Florence, Italy, marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Immersed in the city’s rich artistic heritage, I found myself drawn into a world of creative expression that resonated deeply within me. This newfound passion was further nurtured during my time in Bordeaux, France, where the region’s natural beauty and artistic culture continued to fuel my creative spirit.

Rooted in my Colombian upbringing, where art was an integral part of our family’s legacy, I felt a profound connection to the world of artistic expression. Inspired by the artistic endeavors of my mother and grandfather, who were both painters, I embarked on a personal exploration of creativity.

This evolution in my journey has led me from a foundation in realism to the captivating realm of surrealism. Influenced by the my cultural heritage, my transition to surrealism serves as both a homage to my Colombian roots and an expression of my unique artistic perspective. In addition to my artistic endeavors, I recently embarked on a new venture with my sister, co-founding an art gallery business in Miami called “Casa Chava,” named in honor of our mom. What we love the most about it is that it allows us to create a space where artists can showcase their work and art enthusiasts can gather to celebrate creativity, adding another dimension to my artistic journey.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, a strong foundation, and an openness to continuous learning.

The journey of transitioning to the art world was filled with challenges and uncertainties. Resilience has been crucial in navigating this path. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. The ability to bounce back from failures and persist through tough times is what will ultimately set you apart and keep you moving forward.

My background provided a strong foundation that has significantly influenced my art. The precision, the analytical skills and the problem solving abilities required in engineering have translated beautifully into my drawings. For those starting out, I recommend working on your technical skills, whatever your field may be. Whether it’s mastering the fundamentals of drawing, painting, or any other medium, a solid technical foundation will enhance your ability to express your creative vision.

Being open to new experiences and continually seeking knowledge has been essential. For early-stage artists, I suggest remaining curious and eager to learn. Take classes, visit museums, attend workshops, travel if you can, and always seek to expand your horizons. Continuous learning not only improves your craft but also keeps your creative spirit alive.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on my project management expertise to regain control. A valuable lesson I learned from my first boss, who is also my uncle, has stayed with me and has become a guiding principle throughout my life: even the most complex things are nothing but the sum of many simple other things. This approach not only makes the overall challenge seem less daunting but also allows for a clear strategy on how to tackle each part effectively.

I also apply this strategy to my drawings. They appear very complex because of the level of detail, which can be intimidating at first glance. By breaking the composition into smaller sections focusing on one element at a time, I can make steady progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment. This approach has been vital in helping me navigate both professional and personal challenges, ensuring that I stay organized and productive even in the face of overwhelming situations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://silvanacure.com
• Instagram: @silvanacureart
• Other: Tiktok: silvanacureart