Category: Digital Art

I’m humbled to receive the 2023-2024 CA Arts Council Fellowship Award. Thank you Santa Cruz for voting me Best Photographer over multiple years.
My art covers two mediums: Nature photography and Mixed Media Felt and Floral Art.

My photography is a reflection of what my heart connects with in the moment. Sylvia means “Maiden of the Woods” and I feel at home in nature. I love capturing the Spirit of a place, experimenting with different angles and light to explore a unique perspective. Since 2008 on a trip to New Zealand where I got the photography bug, I’ve enjoyed sharing my photos in Open Studios, galleries and retail stores. I contribute a portion of all sales to environmental non- profits. My husband Paul and I enjoy traveling and experiencing the richness of different landscapes and cultures. We’ve crossed the US many times and reached almost every state, plus internationally to Bali, New Zealand, Thailand, Canada and Mexico. Many of my favorite photos are from our own beautiful California coast. I love the magic of creating a hidden gem in something ordinary, and capturing the beauty of a moment…from a drive around town to an international adventure.

My newest creative passion is felt and floral art I call “HeartFelt and Found”. I’ve created over 200 one-of-a-kind custom floral designs made from: Felt, Paper and Wood Flowers, Vintage frames, antique shoes, and treasure boxes, Found objects in nature like moss, leaves, bark, sticks, shells and driftwood, Velvet pumpkins and so much more! Art is everywhere! I premiered this new art collection at Open Studios in 2023 to great success! Art of Santa Cruz in Capitola Mall features these designs plus Lito’s Community Market in Corralitos. I hope to have an online shop soon. Contact me for orders anytime. Each piece is tenderly handcrafted with love and attention and given a special name. They are like living art beings to me.

In 2022 I created my first photography book, a long held vision! "Sanctuary: A Portal to Presence" combines heartfelt poems and quotes by famous authors and new voices, to match the essence in each image. SylviaValentine.com/book

I believe art and nature are healing medicine. I hope my art connects you more deeply with yourself and others, creating a moment of silence and sanctuary.

SylviaValentine.com/home (Website)
@sylviavalentinephotography (Instagram)
@sylviavalentine (Facebook)