Sylvia Savala

     ..an artist, writer, and educator, draws inspiration from the vibrant tapestry 
of her upbringing in the Pinedale barrio on the fringes of north Fresno. During her 
formative years in the middle-class Bullard High School District, Sylvia was intricately 
influenced by the intersection of two distinct cultures: the traditional Latino and the white 
bourgeoisie. 

Challenging the expectations set by her father, who envisioned a secretarial career for 
her, Sylvia's rebellious spirit propelled her to pursue a different trajectory. She earned a 
B.A. Degree in Spanish from California State University, Fresno, laying the groundwork 
for her aspirations as a visual artist. 

At the age of 24, Sylvia's artistic journey blossomed as she immersed herself in art 
classes, studying under the guidance of acclaimed artist Wayne Thiebaud and exploring 
printmaking in the vibrant city of Mexico. This pivotal period marked the realization of 
her dreams as a visual artist. 

In 2003, driven by a newfound passion for storytelling, Sylvia embarked on a literary 
journey. She enrolled in the M.F.A. Creative Writing Program at California State 
University, Fresno, ultimately graduating in 2007. Sylvia's written work, including the 
insightful essay "How I Became a Chicana Artist," accompanied by images of her 
artwork, found a place in "Entering the Picture," edited by Judy Chicago, as part of The 
Fresno Feminist Art Program and The Collective Visions of Women Artists, curated by 
Jill Fields. Her contributions extend to "Introduction to Mexican-American Studies" and 
the exploration of the Collective Vision of Women Artists. 

Presently, Sylvia Savala serves as an English instructor at Fresno City College. 
Balancing her teaching responsibilities, she remains dedicated to both writing and 
painting, pouring her heart and soul into the creative process. Sylvia's artistic endeavors 
serve as a celebration of identity, weaving together the threads of her diverse 
experiences and inviting viewers to explore the rich complexities of life and culture 
through her evocative work. 

Sylvia Savala