Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvia Belviso Blair
Hi Silvia Belviso, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Silvia Belviso, and I am an artist originally from Bari, in the Puglia region of southern Italy. My passion for art has been with me since childhood, leading me to attend art school, where I received a classical education that laid the foundation for my artistic journey. After graduating, I had the incredible opportunity to study under the Italian maestro Giuseppe “Peppino” Signorile. For a decade, I immersed myself in his studio, perfecting my craft and learning techniques rooted in the traditions of the Renaissance.
Later, I refined my realistic style further by attending the Blair School of Realism, before making the life-changing move to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2020. Here, I’ve found endless inspiration in the stunning coastal landscapes and the vibrant Charleston community of artists, who encourage and inspire me every day.
I specialize in oil, watercolor, and airbrush, creating works that range from photorealism to impressionism, with nature—especially water—being a recurring theme in my art. My work are exhibited at the Sandpiper Gallery and Dare Gallery in Charleston, and I share my passion as a teacher and owner of the Blair Center for the Arts in Mount Pleasant.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. The most challenging part of my journey was making the decision to move to another country, far away from my family and the culture I grew up with. It was a deeply emotional choice, but I knew it was the right one for me.
Leaving behind the familiarity of Italy—the language, traditions, and the people who have always been my foundation—was not easy. Once I arrived in Charleston, adapting to a new way of life brought its own challenges, such as building new relationships, navigating cultural differences, and establishing my career in an unfamiliar environment.
However, these experiences have shaped me both as an artist and as a person. They’ve pushed me to grow, to embrace change, and to find inspiration in blending my Italian roots with the vibrant culture of the Lowcountry. Every challenge has strengthened my resolve, and every connection has reaffirmed that art truly is a universal language.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am specialized in photorealism, so most people know me as a photorealist painter, particularly for my work with the airbrush, which I use as a fine art tool. Over the years, I’ve developed my craft to create highly detailed, lifelike pieces that evoke emotion and capture the essence of my subjects.
I am incredibly proud of my journey and the fact that I never gave up, even when faced with challenges. I’ve always embraced life’s obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn, using them to push myself further both as an artist and as a person.
This mindset is probably what sets me apart from others—it takes courage and dedication to face uncertainty, adapt, and keep moving forward. These qualities not only define my art but also reflect my approach to life.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve always been deeply interested in personal growth, both as an artist and as a person. Some resources that have truly inspired and guided me include books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, which has helped me build effective routines and stay focused on my goals, and Alla Prima by Richard Schmid. Schmid’s book is a masterpiece for any artist, offering invaluable insights into painting techniques and the creative process. I consider him one of my mentors, even though I never had the opportunity to meet him in person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blaircenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silviabelviso_finearts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvia.belviso.5
- Other: https://www.silviabelviso.it
