Sylvia Vander Sluis
Sylvia Vander Sluis earned a BFA and MFA in Painting from Syracuse University and Western Michigan University, respectively. She served as a worldwide program manager in the IT industry for many years, and is now an independent visual artist. Her work was recently featured at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s art auction and in several juried exhibits in the Boston area.
“I use design in all aspects of my life – in the studio, in the garden and, until recently, in my business career. For me, all these activities involve envisioning possibilities, developing concepts and creating frameworks, taking risks and continuously learning.
I like to work with a broad range of organic and man-made materials, as well as a variety of papers. I also cut up and repurpose my own woodcuts, monotypes, handmade paper, and fabric art in my paintings.
I usually start with a visual idea, and then allow the piece to evolve as I let the creative process and materials lead me. I love building up layers of form, color, and texture using a collage approach. Sensual surfaces captivate me. Some of my pieces form visual metaphors for aspects of nature, man-made objects, and emotional experiences.”