Erin Silav
Erin Silav is a visual artist based in Southern California, best known for her vibrant portraits of tennis players crafted with Lego bricks. Inspired by her love for both tennis and creative play, Erin transforms iconic moments from recent tournaments into striking mosaic-style works. Her art has been exhibited in galleries and celebrated at community and local events, where she shares her passion for sports and creativity with audiences of all ages.
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Building Portraits, Building Bonds: The Artful Journey of Erin Silav
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In the quiet corners of Southern California, artist Erin Silav is redefining what it means to create with heart, purpose, and play. Known for her vivid Lego portraits of tennis players, Erin's work captures not only the skill and power of elite athletes but also a deeply personal narrative of resilience, imagination, and connection.
Her journey as an artist took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when isolation challenged even the most seasoned creators. “I had definitive challenges of being an artist during the pandemic,” Erin reflects. “From interacting with the art community on a daily basis to isolation and solitude, I had to find ways to balance my creativity.” What could have stifled her artistic voice instead became a fertile period of reinvention. She turned to online galleries, social media, and virtual art classes, immersing herself in art history and new mediums. This digital exploration helped spark a transformation in her style and outlook.
In her early work, Erin focused on the fundamentals—anatomy, shadows, structure. But as her confidence and curiosity grew, so did her desire to infuse more dynamism and emotional depth into her portraits. Her breakthrough moment came when one of her first tennis player portraits was selected for auction at a major tournament—an experience that not only validated her evolving style but also opened new doors. “I received recognition and a future invitation from the exhibition directors,” she says, marking a turning point in her practice.
Yet, the heart of Erin’s story beats strongest in the collaborative creativity she shares with her daughter. Together, they have forged a meaningful tradition of thrifting—scouting local stores for forgotten objects and materials. “We've taken our passion a step further by incorporating waste materials into our art,” Erin shares.
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“It started with leftover pieces of felt, fabric, and Lego bricks.” What began as an act of environmental mindfulness evolved into a powerful expression of sustainability and joy, as these discarded fragments became vibrant portraits of tennis heroes.​
Through their work, Erin and her daughter not only build art—they build connection. “These activities strengthen our bond with each other and our community,” she explains. Their shared creations are more than portraits; they are woven stories of purpose, discovery, and resourcefulness.
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At the core of Erin Silav’s practice lies a rare synthesis: the discipline of portraiture, the playful soul of Lego, the pulse of sport, and the enduring strength of family. Her art invites us to see not only what’s in front of us—but also what’s possible when we look a little deeper, work with what we have, and create from a place of joy.