Meet Sylvie Abecassis | Artist and Graphic Designer/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvie Abecassis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. In high school though, the art teacher would have us find a photograph and replicate it as a painting. I was quite good at that, and I enjoyed painting, so I chose to spend my senior year of high school in an arts program. After graduating, I attended the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC. I thought that a major in graphic design would be a good choice because it is a creative career with seemingly good job prospects. I studied at the University of Maryland, and graduated with a degree from there. I’ve worked as an art director, graphic designer and illustrator for many years, and I still freelance. My love for clay and mixed media began in 2008. Because my graphic design work is digital and presented in the printed form, I enjoy working in 3D for my fine artwork.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love experimenting with multiple media including paper, clay and precious metal clay. I am fascinated by dioramas and miniatures — a lot of my work therefore involves layering in multiple dimensions to create my tiny worlds. I like to call some of my work ceramic illustration simply because it combines my love for both ceramics and illustration. I decided to change my course from art director/graphic designer in 2007 to illustrator. I did this because I really wanted to work at the greeting card company and book publisher, Blue Mountain Arts in Boulder. I worked there in that capacity for 5 years, My passion for clay and mixed media work then took ahold of me and I again changed direction. I have always been driven by my passion, come what may, and I firmly believe in following your heart. It might sound a little cliche, but tomorrow is never promised.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It would be a busy time! We are so lucky to live in Colorado and there is so much to do… and eat! I would definitely begin day 1 with a hike. There are so many great options but I would first go with Red Rocks. The Trading Post Trail is not too strenuous, but incredibly scenic. I would them take them to the amphitheater. Ideally, we would get tickets to see a show, depending on what time of year they were visiting. After working up an appetite hiking, it’s a short drive to the Rino Arts District and Cart Driver for lunch – my favorite pizza place in Denver. Their wood fired pies are fantastic and so are their salads, especially the chopped salad. After lunch, a short walk over to Central Market – close to what was the “Crush Walls”, mural art by different artists. We would explore the art and the independently owned shops around the area. After Rino, it’s off to Broadway, between around Louisiana and Florida – Antiques Row” There’s plenty of cool shops around there like Koti Vintage, Terra Apothecary and heaps of fun boutiques. A few blocks further south is Spectra Art Space, a fun and unique gallery. Heading back towards Denver I would make a stop at one of my favorite boutiques in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, Sacred Thistle. It’s a well curated boutique/florist with truly unique gifts, home goods and jewelry.
At this point it would be time for happy hour at Linger’s rooftop bar offering beautiful views and street food inspired from around the world. Dinner at Spuntino in Denver’s Lohi neighborhood is next. I’ve recently rediscovered this amazing restaurant run by a husband and wife team. They offer unique Italian food with an Indian influence.
Other outings during the week would definitely include The Denver Botanic Gardens, The Denver Art Museum, Meow Wolf, Garden of the Gods, more hikes, and more incredible restaurants, A quick trip to Boulder would include a visit to Two Hands Paperie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although my graphic design work provided me with a creative outlet, what really lit a fire for me creatively was working with my mentor, Marie Gibbons. She was a well known ceramicist in Denver. Sadly, she died very suddenly in 2019. and it was a huge shock, both to me and to the broader creative community in Denver. She inspired so many people – both adults and children. I am indebted to her and would like to recognize her profound influence on me and the arts community in Denver.

Website: www.sylvieabecassis.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sabeca16

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvie-abecassis-a0461b16/