Forty years an artist, Silvija has skillfully juggled a creative life while remaining true to her passions. Silvija uses sandblasting to create beautiful glass art incorporating designs and symbols from her Latvian heritage.Her family emigrated from Latvia after World War II, escaping as Russia took over the country. She was born in the US and watched her grandfather hammer traditional Latvian designs into copper as a child.Her grandfather’s art inspired her sought-after art, which can be seen at Vashon’s Swiftwater Gallery.We talk about how Latvia inspires her, what feeds her artistic practice, and the art of juggling a creative life.