First Friday Spotlight Artist: Ruby Silvious elevates the Power of Paper at Overit, May 5th

ALBANY – Internationally celebrated and local Nippertown artist Ruby Silvious is one of five creatives highlighted this First Friday, May 5, as Albany reawakens the tradition of art celebrations throughout its neighborhoods. Silvious, an artist who works on non-traditional materials, was flying home from a show in Germany when we tried to reach out to her for this interview. Internationally known and beloved for her work with nontraditional materials, Silvious was equally excited about Albany’s showing as her international shows.

“I’m so excited about First Friday in Albany,” she wrote back when I reached out to her. Silvious has lived in the Albany area for the last few decades and proudly calls this her home.

One look at her website, and you will notice that Silvious uses all sorts of objects in her artwork: tea bags, ribbon, spools, and more. I asked her how that was received initially by critics.

“Working on non-traditional materials developed over time as I continued to repurpose everyday materials and using them as canvas. It was surprisingly well received right from the start,” she reflected.

“Looking for new ‘canvases’ and coming up with fresh ideas is a constant challenge and seem to be what keeps me going. Travel offers a whole new set of inspiration as well. Not only does it take us out of our comfort zone, it allows us to see, taste and try new things.”

Silvious has traveled the world throughout her career, which wasn’t initially in art. “I was born and raised in Tacloban City, Philippines. After high school, I studied architecture and fine arts at UST [University of Santo Tomas] in Manila. Right after college, I moved to New York City to join my family, who had immigrated to the States the previous year.”

Childhood was filled with art for Silvious, but not with a professional focus. “Even at an early age, I was always creative – doodling, folding paper, making paper dolls – but for most of my career, I worked in various administrative positions and didn’t pursue art until much later in life.”

Silvious’ works include bras made from tea bags, high heels sculpted from luscious papers, and wooden spools with stories sewn into ribbon. It is always intriguing and frequently challenges its viewer to think outside the box.

Lastly, I asked Ruby about her favorite part of living or spending time in the 518. “Coxsackie is still my favorite in the 518. It continues to be vibrant, with the Hudson River just down the street from us and several new stores, coffee shops, and restaurants popping up. I have seen much of the world, but there’s no place I’d rather be,” she reflected.

But this Friday, Silvious’s art will be on display for First Friday’s initial night, May 5th, at Overit Media, 435 New Scotland Ave in Albany, with the other four artists, celebrating the Power of Paper.