About Dario Silva
Dario Silva was fascinated by art as a child where he would draw his own creations. As he grew, he changed many things he planned to do, and this lead to a fascination of 3D work. Here he would be greeted with metalsmithing. He obtained his BFA from Kean University in Metals and Jewelry. Silva has a surreal artist perspective, and he has a desire to create kinetic works. He uses chemical reactions to provide color to his metals and he creates magical creatures from just metal and jewelry. By hammering or chasing, he can form the metal into the shape he desires. His work has been showcased in exhibitions by Kean University.
New Brunswick Art Salon 2020 – All Media: “Respective Space”
Email: SurrealAutomatist90@hotmail.com
Artist Statement
I utilize sheets of metal and traditional jewelry/metal techniques to create small, kinetic sculptures inspired by various insect forms. They are organic in nature and a combination of elements taken from both crustaceans and insects, I give them the pseudo-scientific name of insectoid; combination of the two species. The final pieces are fictional creations that are rustic, yet paradoxically colorful.
The process by which I give my work color involves eliciting a chemical reaction that transforms the sheet metal from a dull copper, nugold, or nickel color, into sheets of multifarious hues. When Borax is placed on the sheet metal, and heated to just below the melting temperature where the metal is glowing orange and red, and quenched in water immediately afterwards, colors are rendered. This process is called patination. The kinetic joints are riveted and the metal is hand formed by hammering/chasing.
Making creatures from sheet metal is part of me idealizing insectoids, as metal is tough and powerful, while these creatures from real life are weak and vulnerable. I idealize them and make them better with my designs, so they are whimsical in their final appearance. Metal is a perfect way to propel insectoids above their real-life fragility and have them immortalized by the gaze of the audience.
Exhibitions
2018 BFA Student Show, (solo exhibition) Student Art Gallery, Kean University, Union NJ.
2018 Master Works, James Howe Gallery, Kean University, Union, NJ