Ana Maria Silva, a native of Brazil, commenced her artistic journey in 1970 with the completion of the Publicity Sketching Course at the University of São Paulo. Driven by a passion for fostering creativity, she later founded the "Children's Art Studio" with the purpose of nurturing the artistic talents of children and young individuals.

In 1974, Ana Maria graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of São Paulo. She served as an art teacher at Instituto São Jose in São José dos Campos from 1973 to 1975. Subsequently, she made a pivotal decision to return to the university, pursuing a degree in Law.

In 1980, Ana Maria obtained her Law degree from the University of São José dos Campos. Despite her career as a lawyer, she consistently carved out time for spiritual devotion and artistic pursuits. 

Since 1990, she has been an active member of the Canadian "Prayer and Life" Workshop Group while managing to find the time to engage in diverse projects like pottery, China painting, and traditional oil and acrylic canvas painting.

In 2002, a transformative encounter with D. Jose Carlos Velasco OBS Cam, a Camaldolense Monk, inspired Ana Maria to write her first Icon while contemplating her immigration to Canada. In 2003, she immigrated as a Catholic Missionary, representing the Prayer and Life Workshops. With the approval of the Most Reverend Adam Exner O.M.I., Archbishop of Vancouver, she introduced the workshops to the local community.

During this period, Ana Maria met Patricia Ballard, a remarkable friend, who introduced her to the Epiphany Sacred Arts Guild - a British Columbia Society of Catholic sacred artists and associates. As a member of the executive, she participated in their biennial juried exhibitions of locally produced sacred art (2010-2012-2014-2018).

Since 2003, Ana Maria has continued her studies in Iconography with local iconographers Frank C. Turner and Steve Knight. She also took several courses with Ana Diaz-Drew, a European Master Gilder. In 2013, she joined the Art in the Atrium at Holy Trinity Exhibit. From 2013 to 2020, she dedicated herself to restoring images of St. Joseph, Baby Jesus, Our Lady, and Jesus. Additionally, she seized the opportunity to visit Paris and participated in a calligraphy workshop at "La Maison de la Calligraphie".

Currently, Ana Maria Silva remains dedicated to writing/painting icons, mastering the intricate art of illumination calligraphy, restoring images, and crafting rosaries.

Supported by Lancaster's Women's Iconography in the 21st Century research project, Ana Maria led an iconography workshop with students of St Wilfrid's C of E Academy, Blackburn, in May 2024, organized by Dr Azelina Flint. This short video, produced by Paul Green, includes an interview with Ana Maria and tells you more about the workshop. We are grateful to the university's AHRC Impact Acceleration account for funding this initiative.

Contact: elianiana@hotmail.com
Facebook: Sacred Arts by Ana Maria Silva
Epiphany Sacred Arts Guild: epiphanysacredartsguild.com