We had the good fortune of connecting with Simon Silva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Simon, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I attended Art Center in the early 80s, and the most valuable lesson I gained was the discipline and focus instilled by the school. I also discovered that I have OCD tendencies—I tend to fixate on ideas, concepts, or thoughts, relentlessly exploring them until I’ve exhausted every possible angle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey has been a continuous evolution. Initially, I embarked on a career as an illustrator, but the confines of being directed in my work grew tiresome. Seeking a new avenue, I transitioned into producing fine art. Through this shift, I found myself immersed in the Chicano movement, utilizing my artistic talents to inspire and empower the Latino community. Influenced by Latino and African American literature, as well as Jazz, I delved deeper into the realm of the arts, exploring its myriad beneficial aspects. Over time, I’ve come to recognize the profound, yet often unspoken, benefits of artistic expression. Armed with this understanding, I’ve endeavored to foster greater community cohesion and understanding through the arts, believing wholeheartedly in its potential to shape a brighter future for all, with lasting and meaningful impact.

My journey as an artist has been far from easy, yet undeniably fulfilling and exhilarating. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artistic influences has kept my curiosity alive and thriving. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, I’ve navigated through challenges with resilience and determination, fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth.

Lessons learned along the way have been that I need to be open to continue to learn and continue to evolve. I am a person who is in a constant state of change. James Baldwin said, “That an unexamined life is a life not worth living. I keep changing with the constant consumption of great art, music, conversation and food. I am a person who lives his life in a duality of play and serious thought. I believe that our value as human beings is not our position, our money or power, but our unique individuality. I am obsessed with seeking out challenging, exciting, and controversial information/experiences that will help me evolve and live life to my fullest potential.

I want the world to know that I come from a place of confusion, violence, hard work and a distorted love that created an introverted, insecure and depressed existence. I am here because life has offered me a multitude of variable experiences that have made me appreciate my existence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend of mine was visiting for a week and they had limited knowledge or experiences in Los Angeles this would be the week’s itinerary:

Monday – Breakfast at Gloria’s Cuisine for the Chilaquiles and the Churro Waffle, Santa Monica Pier for a walk and lunch. Dinner at Raffi’s Place in Glendale for the Lamb.

Tuesday – Breakfast at the Perch restaurant (For the French Toast), lunch at la Guelaguetza, Ice cream at Magpies, a stroll through Olvera Street.

Wednesday – Breakfast at Homegirl Cafe for the Chilaquiles, walk through Little Tokyo (lunch at Cafe Dulce for the Lasagna! and the donuts), Dinner at Versailles Cuban Restaurant for the Garlic Chicken

Thursday – Breakfast at 3rd Street Farmers Market (Phil’s Deli Breakfast Burrito), lunch at Stout Burgers and order the Stout Burger with the Pear Cider, Dinner at Quarters Korean BBQ

Friday – Breakfast Penny Oven in Eagle Rock, Lunch at Little Tokyo at Chinchikurin, Ice Cream at McConnels at the Grand Central Market, Dinner at Bavel,

Saturday – Art Center Gallery, Norton Simon Museum, Tacos at Cielito Linda at Olvera Street, Take a cooking class at Cozymeal

Sunday – Drive him to the airport, take a nap.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m the only one among eleven siblings who pursued a college education, as my parents didn’t prioritize supporting our schooling. Thankfully, I was blessed with incredible teachers who cared deeply about my academic journey. Dr. Esperanza Zendejas, my high school counselor, stood out for her exceptional dedication and unwavering belief in my capabilities.

Website: www.simonsilva.com

Instagram: @simonsilva.artist

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/simón-silva-a370a98

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=6NDcwIxnm26ubndV1MvcTA&utm_source=ishare

Other: www.simonsilvaspeaker.com

Image Credits
Davide China Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.