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

Silvana , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My intense interest in art happened very early in my life. I have been involved with art since I was a little child. My parents enrolled me in different art courses during my school life: I took drawing, printing, and a painting class at the Museum of Modern Art ( Rio de Janeiro – MAM) with a famous artist called Ivan Serpa. When I finished High School, I decided to pursue my goal of being an artist and enrolled in the best art school in Rio de Janeiro, Escola de Artes Visuais. For three years, I studied with influential artists as I continued my specialization in printmaking when I started a bachelor’s degree in art education at Bennett University. My experience at the art school excited my interest in education. I was fascinated by the original and unique teaching methodology I learned during my bachelor’s. All teachers were wholly involved with the students, and I had the opportunity to participate actively in implementing the new art education curriculum. When I received my degree, I was invited by the Dean to be an adjunct professor in the undergraduate Art Education course of three courses: etching, woodcut, and methodology of visual means at the undergraduate Art Education.

Silvana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since I moved to Miami in 2007, I have started to work and pursue my certification as an art teacher. I worked as a teaching artist for Arts For Learning in many programs, after school, Early Childhood, and Lewis Studios (for middle school students). I started working for MDCPS as an art teacher in 2015 at Morningside K8 Academy, where I am now. In 2009, I started a master of Science in art Education at FIU. It was two years of intense learning and an unparalleled experience.
t emphasizes the blending of research and theory with practical studio experience. All students are encouraged to pursue specialized interests and needs. The graduate program involves advanced research methodology in art education and intensive studio experiences through advanced seminars and workshops. Graduate students analyze and evaluate art education curriculum designs and relate them to more significant social issues. I received a grant called Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator (FIU) and a Portrait and Figurative Art certificate.
In 2020 I participated in a group exhibition to celebrate 100 years of women vote at The CAMP Gallery. Since then the gallery represents me. I did a solo exhibition in 2021, Ïpsis Litteris” based on idiomatic expressions in 3 different languages. I also participated in two art fairs, VOLTA Art Fair in New York and Scope in Miami. I had my works exhibit at the Frost Art Museum FIU and Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, CT. In 2022 I received the grant Teacher Travel grant by The Ellies, Oolite Arts .

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I aim to delve into the female universe to celebrate our achievements and amplify our voices. While it is clear that women have conquered much since the early battles of feminism, I think there are still issues to be seen and explored, which is why I am interested in fairy tales and mythology. It is like working on well-known concepts and trying to promote a reflection not merely intellectual but emotional and spiritual as well. As an art teacher, I aim to provoke my students to unlock creativity.
Creativity is a magic wand that makes you lose the fear of the unexpected. Life always proves that we don’t have control of anything, and that’s why we have to rely on the ability to improvise and create to follow the flow of life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love what I do. The joy of creation re-energizes me every day. I know it’s a blessing to have this loving relationship with work. Unlike many people, I don’t think about retiring, but on the contrary, I look for opportunities to expand my artistic creation every day. The result is a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
With my students, I convey the message that they should look for their passion and make it happen. Not simply a commonplace like following their dreams but something that makes them think and believe in themselves. Doing what you love is the easiest way to find happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.silvanasoriano.com
• Instagram: @silvanasorianoart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvanasorianoart
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/silvana-soriano
• Other: https://www.artsy.net/artist/silvana-soriano