Pursuing what my heart desires with courage and passion

Interview with Art by Latinsilver

1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

My name is Kimberly J. Diaz but I go by my artist name Latinsilver. This name I chose was my way of accepting that I am a creator of hispanic decent and stardust. I am also a mother of three children and two small birds. It was in high school that I learned I was naturally a good artist and greatly enjoyed it. From that point on I chose to pursue a career in Graphic Design and acquired my Associate’s Degree to seek a practical job using computers. During the course of my studies I fell more in love with figurative art so I followed that path with many classes to develop my skill. My work evolved from charcoal and pastels to digital and traditional illustrations to acrylic paintings, where I am at now.

2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

Spirituality has been the theme of my most current works of art. As part of learning what motivates my beliefs I dove into researching esotericism and various religions and cultures. There are so many commonalities I found inspiring that followed self-reflection and tied into my visions and dreams. My work began to develop further into aspects of hidden knowledge and my will to share beauty of expression and self-acceptance with the world. Most of my work is self-reflection so I do illustrate mostly feminine figures with subtle aspects of masculinity. During my educational studies I fell in love with the human anatomy. I was highly driven to portray the beauty of the feminine body because it is the most sacred and most mysterious form. The female body can create within itself and hold that creation for 9 months, transforming, nurturing, and unwavering with the strength of full divine sacredness. That in itself is beauty.

3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

I find that my creativity spews out into all aspects of my life. My passion for creativity finds its way into inspiring others and shows in how I love myself and others. Because I have made my business of art part of my life 24/7 I reflect a courage and passion to pursue what my heart desires no matter what. Even in the littlest of things I get creative such as how I cook, how I arrange my furniture and decor, and how I think, act, write and speak. I think being an artist is not just about creating art it is also a way of life like eating healthy, it’s a lifestyle.

'Creation of Adenine' by Latinsilver

4. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

The most difficulty I’ve had to face is related to my ability to create. Sometime in 2021, amidst the global pandemic, my body crashed from complications, stress from work/life balancing, and having implants for several years that were very harmful. Because of the complications I was inflicted with I had to quit my full-time job and set aside my art. I was a single mom so this was extremely detrimental to my ability to support my family. I felt I had lost myself because I was unable to provide and create works of art. My art and creativity became non-existent while I poured what energy I could into getting back to good health. I had to remind myself daily that if I took care of myself then I can take care of others. I focused on becoming healthy in my body and mind once again and after 3 years I found myself having a will to paint again. And that’s just what I did!

'Exonerated Awakening' by Latinsilver

5. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Although I was not an only child, I was an only daughter in my family. Growing up with an older brother, I learned that my interests were of my own and that I kept my own best company. My brother was either rough, not interested in things I enjoyed or found ways to manipulate me for fun. Since I understood this to a degree, and always felt out of place in most environments I found myself in, I gravitated to doing things on my own. I also quickly learned that to be an artist, or any subject of choice, is a personal journey and I would travel it alone. Being an artist is a choice, to learn about and draw within oneself even though the artists’ expression is created outwardly. I have always said that “No one knows you better than you,” and so who else would make the best company but yourself. Therefore I do not feel the artist life is a lonely one but one of deep self-reflection and courage to express one’s truth to the public.

Art by Latinsilver (Kimberly J. Diaz)

Website: www.artbylatinsilver.com

Instagram/Facebook: @artbylatinsilver