We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yomarie Silva-O’Neal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yomarie below.
Yomarie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a combination of external support and is built through my experiences. I have learned to adapt and move forward, even in doubt, because I trust the process rather than just the outcome. By focusing on the journey, I allow myself to grow and evolve without being paralyzed by fear or uncertainty.
I have a strong network of family and friends who provide a foundation of encouragement and reassurance, reminding me that I’m not alone in my challenges. This support reinforces persistence, helping me push through obstacles with the knowledge that setbacks are temporary.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My work as a sculptor is deeply rooted in exploring nature’s small yet essential forms—fungi, insects, and the unseen networks that sustain ecosystems. I magnify these organic structures through abstraction and repetition, shifting their scale and reinterpreting them in clay, porcelain, plaster, and wood. The result is a body of work that feels familiar and otherworldly, revealing hidden patterns and interconnections that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One of the most exciting aspects of my practice is the discovery process. As I sculpt, I engage in a dialogue with materials and forms, allowing new shapes to emerge that might not exist in nature but still feel intrinsically connected to it. Much of the magic happens when raw clay or wood is transformed into something that evokes life while simultaneously abstracting it.
Additionally, the scale shifts in my work offer a unique perspective, inviting viewers to experience the minute and the monumental simultaneously. Whether it’s a delicate porcelain piece resembling a fungal structure or a large-scale relief expanding on insect forms, my sculptures challenge perceptions and bring attention to the microscopic and underground worlds that shape our environment.
The excitement also lies in the potential applications of my work—whether as proposals for gallery spaces, residencies, or as part of more extensive environmental conversations. Each sculpture exists as an object and as a catalyst for curiosity and awareness, making the invisible more tangible.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Firstly, observational sensitivity and curiosity. Through close observation of the world around me, I have allowed my curiosity to uncover patterns and forms and translate them into sculptures.
Secondly, material experimentation and adaptability. My love for playing with materials and embracing unpredictability allows me to innovate in my practice.
Thirdly, persistence. Persistence requires dedication even when progress feels slow, and we may question our practice as artists.
As for advice for folks early in their journey, developing all three of these skill sets requires time and energy, but like all skills, it can be acquired. Being patient with one’s art practice is difficult at times, but understanding long-term goals allows one to have the space to evolve.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I was fortunate to be raised in an environment that encouraged artistic endeavors. My parents always supported my love for art and my pursuit of a career as an artist. Because of their constant encouragement and sacrifices, I never doubted what I wanted to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ysonarts.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yomarie_silva_oneal/
Image Credits
Elaine Rosner- first image of me working at the studio.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
