Skye Silver: Riding the waves of Creativity

For San Diego-based artist Skye Silver, art and surfing are more than passions, they’re lifelines. Growing up in a creative family, Skye was surrounded by color, texture, and movement long before she ever picked up a paintbrush. But like many artists, she once buried that dream in pursuit of a “practical” career.

Through career shifts, personal challenges, and a global pandemic, Skye rediscovered her love for painting and built a thriving practice that balances creativity, discipline, and freedom. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the evolution of her signature style, and advice for artists navigating the pull between stability and passion.

Q: Can you take me back to the beginning of your creative journey? When did it start for you?
I come from a very artistic family, and my parents encouraged my art practice outside of school from an early age. I grew up in Maryland and took classes at a local art institute all the way up through high school and into college. But at that time, art was just a hobby, an outlet. I always told myself, “I don’t see a career as an artist. I want something that looks good on paper.” So, I sort of buried that dream.

Fast forward to when I moved to San Diego. I was a career-focused working gal, and art took a back seat. But after a few years of not painting, I really felt that absence. I started taking classes at the San Diego Art Academy in North Park, and later transitioned to Art on 30th, where I’ve been since 2020. That’s when I became truly devoted to my art practice.

Q: 2020 was such a pivotal year for many of us. How did it impact you creatively?
During lockdown, the stillness forced me to slow down. It made me reevaluate what was really important, my relationships, my passions, and how I wanted to spend my time.

At the time, I was working full-time as a Creative Services Coordinator on the design team at Reef Sandals, a surf lifestyle brand. Three weeks into the pandemic, I was laid off. Like many people, I was disappointed and confused. But that shift became an opportunity.

Instead of commuting to an office, I began commuting daily to an empty studio at Art on 30th. I was in such a good creative flow, completely immersed in my work. Even though the world felt uncertain, I felt grounded and inspired again.

Q: You mentioned that your family is very creative. Can you tell me more about that?
Yes, I feel really fortunate to come from a creative family on both sides. On my dad’s side, his uncle was a painter and sculptor. My dad isn’t an artist himself, but he’s an art historian buff, he could teach it at a college level. We grew up surrounded by stacks of books on Picasso, Joan Mitchell, Kandinsky, and more. He still gives me feedback on my work.

On my mom’s side, my mom is into the performing arts, she’s theatrical, a singer, and my grandmother and aunt are both oil painters.

Q: Did you ever explore performing arts yourself?
I tried a lot of creative mediums growing up. I was in school plays, but I got stage fright performing in front of an audience. I was a competitive dancer, and that gave me an outlet for performance. But as an adult, I prefer the privacy of painting. I like creating in my own little bubble and then letting the artwork take the spotlight, not me.

Q: What inspired you to return to painting?
After college, I was commuting into Washington, D.C. for work and felt deeply unfulfilled, almost depressed. I couldn’t imagine living that way for 40 years. When a friend suggested moving to San Diego, something clicked. I had never been, but it felt like the kind of life I wanted.

When I moved, I focused on getting stable—finding housing, a job, and adjusting to adulthood. I surfed, went out with friends, and built a new life. But eventually, I realized something was missing. Art had always been a huge part of me, and I needed to bring it back.

Now, if I start feeling irritable or off, I know it’s because I haven’t surfed or painted. Those two things are my medicine and I feel grounded again.

Q: You balance being an artist and a project manager. How do you manage both roles?
It’s tough. For me, it comes down to discipline. When I was working full-time, I would paint two days a week, one weeknight and Sundays. It wasn’t easy. I was tired after work and often tempted to skip because of traffic. But I learned to just show up. Even if I only painted for an hour, I made it a point to get there.

Now, I work as an independent contractor, which gives me much more flexibility. I’ve gone from painting twice a week to four or even five times. That freedom has made me more productive and motivated.

Q: What do you do when you feel burnt out creatively?
If I’m not feeling it, I don’t force it. Instead, I go into environments that inspire me, surfing, hiking, being outdoors. That always resets my creativity. I also switch between two distinct styles: my signature surreal tree series and my mixed-media surf-inspired abstracts. Switching gears helps keep things fresh and lets me express different sides of myself.

Q: Were there challenges when you first started establishing yourself as an artist?
Definitely. The business side—branding, websites, social media, wasn’t too hard because I came from a creative marketing background. The harder part was finding my style and overcoming imposter syndrome.

In the beginning, you experiment a lot, but finding your visual voice is what makes your work recognizable. Once I painted my first “tree” piece, it resonated deeply and connected with others. I realized that was my lane.

I also love the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which means finding the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what people will pay for. When I found that balance in my art, everything started to align.

Q: What would you say to artists who are balancing a job and trying to build their creative career?
It’s okay to take it slow. Working full-time doesn’t make your art any less valuable. In fact, it’s impressive to do both. You can build your art career gradually, nurture it over time and let it evolve.

I used to imagine developing my art for decades while maintaining stability. I figured by my fifties, I’d be established enough to focus on art full-time. Then, when I lost my job during the pandemic, it pushed me sooner than expected, but I now see that as a sign.

For those afraid to take the leap, take the steady route. Prioritize your time, make sacrifices, and educate yourself about the business side of art. Find resources, mentorship programs, and communities that can guide you. That’s what helped me bridge the gap between hobby and career.

Q: When did you realize art was more than a hobby for you?
The first moment was in 2020, when I officially started my business. At the time, I still thought of it as something temporary while I searched for a new full-time job.

Now, I’m in the second phase. Art is definitely not a hobby—it’s something I see myself doing fully. I’m exploring what that could look like long term, and it feels right.

🔑 Key Takeaways from Sky Silver

Creativity runs deep but sometimes it takes distance to rediscover it.
Skye’s story shows how easy it is to set creativity aside when life demands stability. Yet, even after years away from painting, her artistic drive resurfaced when she slowed down. Creative callings often return when we make space for them.

Discipline fuels creative freedom.
Balancing full-time work and an art practice requires structure. Skye’s routine of time-blocking her studio hours and simply “showing up” allowed her art to grow consistently. Freedom in art often comes from discipline and accountability.

Burnout is a signal, not a setback.
When Skye feels uninspired, she steps outside, surfing, hiking, or exploring nature. Reconnecting with the environment resets her creativity. It’s a reminder that rest and movement are part of the creative process.

Finding your artistic voice takes time.
Developing a signature style doesn’t happen overnight. For Skye, discovering her “tree” paintings came through exploration and self-awareness. Her embrace of ikigai—aligning passion, skill, purpose, and sustainability—offers a powerful framework for artists at any stage.

Success can be steady and self-defined.
Skye’s journey shows that you don’t need to quit your day job overnight to be a “real” artist. Building slowly, staying consistent, and embracing flexibility can create lasting, fulfilling success.

📢 Check Out the Full Interview

Watch the full interview with Skye Silver below or youtube @ainahcommunity 

Explore Skye's work: studioskyesilver.com