You can learn to paint from a Charlotte artist via Instagram. Here’s how.
Tl;dr: “The Paint Party” is a virtual networking platform for artists around the world, created by Marlene “Miilo” D’Silva, who was born in Dubai and moved to Charlotte six years ago. The space is designed for artists to share work, network and grow.
WHAT: “The Paint Party”, an IGTV show
WHEN: Season 2 launches in 2022
WATCH: Season 1 on D’Silva’s IGTV
HOW TO JOIN: If you’re an artist who wants to be part of “The Paint Party,” DM D’Silva on Instagram or send an email to miilosart.contact@gmail.com.
Networking for artists in Charlotte and beyond
During the height of COVID-19, Charlotte-based artist Marlene “Miilo” D’Silva felt the need to connect with her audience and unite the art community. She enjoys when people observe her creative process. She also likes talking to people while she paints, which helps her creativity. So she created “The Paint Party.”
During the first season’s 20 episodes, D’Silva connected with artists from various places, including New Jersey, New York, Utah, Florida — even Canada and London. Along with co-host Keenan D’Abreo, she created the event to support rising artists by creating a platform for them to share their work, connect with an audience, network and learn from one another. Viewers had a front row seat as they logged onto D’Silva’s IGTV each Monday and Wednesday evening to watch live painting sessions by up-and-coming artists.
“With ‘The Paint Party,’ it was the connection,” she said. “I wanted people to see where our art comes from, where our minds are taking us, and what goes on behind the scene.”
The second season of “The Paint Party” is in the works. With plans to launch in 2022, the series will continue to serve as a space for new artists to share their work, creative process, and artistic style.
Who is Marlene “Miilo” D’Silva?
While D’Silva currently spends her time collaborating with and supporting arts and local small businesses in Charlotte, she continues to remain reflective, reminded that her passion for creativity was revealed at a very young age.
She dabbled in art as a 3-year-old. By age 6, she knew she wanted to be an artist. As an adult, she reviewed old report cards from her youth where teachers confirmed not only her interest in art but an excellence in her craft, too.
“I really just manifested that for myself,” D’Silva said. “As a child, it was in the back of my head ... ‘We are going to keep doing it. We are going to keep creating.’”
D’Silva’s career choice was often met with opposition. Those around her were concerned about her ability to earn a living. D’Silva’s response was simple — if she’s able to have a roof over her head and food on the table, she’s content.
“At the end of the day, I’m painting every day and it doesn’t feel like I’m working,” she said. “I always enjoy what I’m doing. I’m so proud I stuck to it despite all the things people said. I guess what motivated me more is that people told me I couldn’t do it.”
From Dubai to Charlotte
A move from Dubai — where she was born and raised — to Charlotte six years ago propelled her career. As a new member of Charlotte’s art scene, D’Silva is starting to find her way. In 2020, D’Silva graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in art.
“I feel like my experiences have taught me something different,” she said. “For example, when I went through a little artist block, I created a whole series around it. That was my big way around it because it was one of the hardest things I’ve probably had to deal with, trying to figure out where I wanted to be and how I needed to move with my art. Thank God for that series because I wouldn’t have ever figured out my style, either.”
Now, D’Silva is busy reworking older pieces to ensure she remains in a creative space. For her, that process includes taking a piece of artwork that was “completed,” approaching it from a different perspective and improving aspects of it.
Women of color: Modern-day muses
D’Silva hopes to work on a new series about modern-day muses, which would explore women of color and the narrative that has been created, and shine a light on their contributions.
For those who are looking to pursue a passion, D’Silva’s advice is to always stay true to yourself.
“If you’re not living for yourself, is life really worth it? You have to do everything for yourself,” she said. “Only then will you be able to pour into other people’s cups and fulfill everything you want in your life.”
