Skyler Solondz
Hanover Township, New Jersey
Skyler is a landscape artist who uses acrylic paint to create stunning and emotionally-evocative paintings.
MessageSkyler Solondz is a gifted nonbinary transgender feminine painter who has garnered attention for their exceptional ability to manipulate shadows and light. Their artwork is particularly highlighted in the evocative piece titled "Pour Out of Your Soul," which serves as a profound representation of their emotional depth and artistic vision. This striking painting uses a rich palette and dynamic contrasts to evoke intense feelings, showcasing Skyler's unique ability to blend technique with narrative. They have exhibited their work in prestigious national venues, such as the renowned Las Laguna Art Gallery in California, the vibrant Hermosa Art Gallery, and the esteemed Holy Art Gallery in London. Presently, Skyler is immersing themselves in a dual pursuit of bachelor's degrees in art and science at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where they are refining their artistic techniques and expanding their creative horizons.
Skyler is further enriching their craft under the guidance of celebrated artist Stefan Bauman, who mentors them in the revered practices of the Old Masters. This extensive training allows Skyler to learn and apply classical methods to their contemporary style, creating a beautiful fusion of historical art techniques with modern artistic expression.
Their grandmother, Bernice, is a significant and transformative influence on Skyler’s artistic journey. Affectionately known as Grandma Bern, she has played an instrumental role in shaping Skyler’s identity and nurturing their creative spirit. Together, they would spend countless hours at the easel, with Grandma Bern absorbed in her artwork, passionately discussing the masterpieces of legendary artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, alongside other influential Impressionists. Through these shared experiences, Grandma Bern imparted invaluable lessons about embracing individuality, inspiring Skyler to approach their canvas with skill and heartfelt passion and introspection, encouraging each brushstroke to be deliberate and meaningful.
These cherished memories and teachings profoundly inspired Skyler to create "Flickering of Hope," a deeply intimate artwork that encapsulates their ongoing struggle with dysphoria, reflecting the dissonance of feeling out of place in their own body. Each brushstroke in this poignant piece symbolizes the intricate layers of their identity, embodying both the turmoil they face and the resilience they possess. Through this artwork, Skyler employs their creativity as a powerful tool for self-discovery, using art as a medium to embrace their authentic self fully and to share the complex narrative of who they are in this moment of their life.
Statement
Skyler is a alla prima plein air painter. Skyler is a thirty-six-year-old non-binary transgender feminine painter. At age seven, Skyler made their first piece, Foamed by the Sea. While painting this piece, they realized they were different, and its creation was instrumental in them coming out as non-binary. Skyler paints in acrylic and watercolors, sketches in pencil, and designs in clay. Their heart is always at the beach because it is where their true self is at peace.
Skyler’s grandmother, Bernice, created eccentric landscapes and abstract paintings and greatly influenced them as an artist. Grandmother Bern, as Skyler called her, would sit in front of them and paint. She would talk about Van Gogh, Picasso, and other impressionists and teach Skyler one stroke at a time to be themselves and paint with their heart and soul. Skyler took that teaching to heart and has continued their art practice, remaining faithful to the philosophy taught by Grandma Bern.
In Skyler’s words, “She taught me that each stroke shows my true authentic self.” These stroke patterns in Skyler’s paintings reveal that they use art in two very divergent ways: to both deal with internal conflict and to reveal and express their emotions. Skyler believes that their difficulty in fitting in with societal norms has caused a sense of dejection and art provides a respite in their day to day life. The unique stroke patterns are a part of every sui generis piece that Skyler creates to this day.
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