We recently connected with Rachel Silva and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am happy as an artist, and I honestly don’t even see it as a choice. If I don’t practice my craft, I become unwell. I’m here on this planet for a reason and that reason is to be creative. Denying that part of my life is not an option. Even when its hard, and it can be very very difficult to live an artist’s life, it is worth it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a multi-media artist, with a primary focus on painting and poetry. I love exploring new mediums of expression, so over the years I’ve stopped adhering to specific labels to describe my craft. I love working with oil paints, portraiture, and exploring the human experience through many creative mediums. Documenting my personal human experience is paramount, and no medium is off the table.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I lived in Los Angeles for 8 years, it was a life goal to move there and pursue my art in a thriving creative city. The industry I worked in that provided financial stability (Animation and Entertainment) has contracted over the last few years due to out-sourcing and AI.
This lead to me losing my home in 2025, shortly after the fires that ravaged our city. It was a very traumatic time and I had to pack up my studio and move away. In many ways I am still grieving this, but the art persists. This is part of the experience, which is always the focus of my work. This was the most extreme pivot I’ve had to make in my life and career and it made me confront what I really want out of my practice, and that is to be present, authentic, and true to myself.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to experience humanity, and to document my personal experience in creative ways. I’m a soul in a meat vessel, and my time is limited. I never want to be pigeon-holed into creating one thing or one style, humans are ver-changing and evolving and my art does too. I used to fight this, I felt like I needed a “thing” that I did to be recognized as an artist, but the truth it I’m an artist whether anyone sees me or not. As long as I’m true to my inner creative voice, I am happy with my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelmsilva.com/
- Instagram: @missrachelsilva
