Silja Salmistu is Estonian artist living in Denmark. Since 2016, she is dedicated to soft pastels, with still life as the main subject.

She earned a MFA equivalent degree in painting from Tartu University in 1994

Salmistu loves to paint from life, to share the room and time with her objects. She closely observes them and interprates the visual perception, with special focus on light.

Salmistu has exhibited in numerous juried, curated, group and solo shows since 1997 in Europe, the USA, China and online. She is a multiple award and competition winner. Her art has been featured in several international and national art publications.

In 2021, she qualified for Signature member of Pastel Society of America and received the Master Circle designation with the International Association of Pastel Societies. She is also a member of Pastel Guild of Europa.

Facebook: bySalmik
Instagram: siljasalmistuart

ARTIST STATEMENT
While the world is speeding up and making ever more noise, one may need to find a foothold to keep a balance, to retreat, to take a break.
This is what my art is about. Painting still life, a silent existence of ordinary things, fruits and flowers, is a meditative process.
I observe light in a room bouncing around the objects, causing colours to appear and interact. It takes and gives a peace of mind.
I work from life, in silence.
I like to have immediate contact with the objects in front of me, to share the room with them.
I aim to achieve a subtle sensation of movement in the picture space, to give the viewers a feeling of being present and breathe in it.

Silja Salmistu

Artworks by Silja Salmistu

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Snowdrops by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Pansies by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Horned Pansies by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Rosehips by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Rowanberries by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Acorns by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Yellow Apples by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Smile 2 by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Smile by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Challenge by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing

Nursery story #3 by Silja Salmistu

Painting

The Gift by Silja Salmistu

Pastel drawing