sasha silverstein

Artist Statement

I aim to achieve authentic expression regardless of what I
am working on. I seek an energetic vibrancy that stays with
the viewer, after the viewing.
I come from an abstract, formalist tradition. This pedigree is
present even in my most representational work. I don't want
to give it all to the viewer - I just want to move them. I want
to affect them in some chakra, as I feel in my own. There is a
dialogue between conscious and unconscious that drives the
work. ...a call and response.
I am interested in color, texture, gesture, perspective and
flatness, form and line, chiaroscuro, human touch. My
influences include Manet, Vuillard, Matisse and Caravaggio.
As I am also a sculptor, form is important to me. I work from
life, from photos, from the Old Masters. There is always a
back and forth, inviting the unexpected, as the work and I
speak to each other, grapple and ravish.