A Farewell

On March 10 the world lost a kind and gentle soul, as well as an incredible artist, when Oscar Silva passed away in his sleep.  I can't think of a better tribute than that written by his great friend and partner.  "We have lost a talented and clever artist - he will no longer urge us to look at objects for the art that is inherent in their very structure - no longer to push the limit - we are left a little hollow by his leaving us."

I didn't know Oscar well, but whenever I ran into him (usually at art openings), he was so kind and generous that I always wished to know him better.  We always think "there's plenty of time" ... when there isn't, always.  I am among the many who will miss him dearly.

Below are a few of my favorite fiber and mixed-media artworks by Oscar.  He may have been best known for his use of his own hand-made paper, rug canvas and hardware cloth, as well as unusual found objects, especially objects from nature. His creative mixture of "hard and soft" elements is one of the things about his work that intrigues me most. Please see his blog for much more.   http://www.oscarsilvaartist.blogspot.com/

Art of Meditation
Oscar Silva

Milagro
Oscar Silva

Red Sky at Night
Oscar Silva

Prophet
Oscar Silva

Asiatic
Oscar Silva

Wood Nymphs
Oscar Silva

Nomad
Oscar Silva

Seed Quilt (detail)
Oscar Silva

September, 2012 exhibit of
"The Charismatics of Fiber"
Oscar Silva

Please see Oscar's blog for much more.   http://www.oscarsilvaartist.blogspot.com/  (I hope it stays on-line even though he has passed.  It is a wonderful exhibit of much of his work, and his written statement about each piece is often a work of art in itself.)