Travis J. Sylvester

Patterns

Travis J. Sylvester

I first noticed Travis' brilliant and colorful art on Facbook and we became online friends. It only took a very short time to realize that he was an obvious candidate for our Fishy Art series. I contacted him and asked my usual row of questions.

a) How did you start working with art and with fishing related art in particular?

I have been drawing as far back as I can remember, probably since I was four. My dad was a technical artist and draftsman, I recall sitting at the kitchen table with him while he worked on his three dimensional drafting projects and drawing wildlife from books that we had around the house. I got into drawing trout back in 2010 when I was reintroduced to fly fishing by a good buddy of mine.

b) Why fish and/or fishing?

I have probably been fishing since around the same time I started drawing, yet for some reason I did not merge the two together until the fall of 2010. I have always had a fascination with fish and water in general. To this day, I still get excited when I see a small creek, pond, river etc. and wonder what kind of fish live in them. I love trying to recreate the amazing colors, markings and reflections that trout have on them from the water and their surrounding environments. I think that I like the challenge of drawing the water as much as the trout itself. If the finished product looks like you could reach out and touch it, I am happy with it. I am constantly trying to make each piece better in some way than the previous one.

At work

Travis J. Sylvester

c) What is your preferred method of painting/drawing/producing your work - if any?

I would say colored pencils on various types of paper is my preferred method for now. I have been using them since my favorite art teacher back in high school introduced me to them. I enjoy working with the vibrant colors I can get from them as well as the detail I can get from them. I generally use photographs as a reference in my work, usually photos that my friends have taken, but occasionally I manage to get a decent shot of a fish that I have caught, and I work from it. Although I have never attempted it, I do see myself trying either oils or acrylic paints here in the near future.

Fish

Travis J. Sylvester

d) Is the art your main source of income - if at all a source of income - or do you do other jobs as a supplement?

I generally work on my drawings at night and on the weekends, My artwork does generate some income for me, generally the income that it does produce goes back into the "business" side of it whether it is for art related supplies, or trade show booths, accessories, marketing and product for the shows that I attend. As far as other jobs go, I work as a public safety communications planner here in the State of Utah, and have been in this field for close to 25 years.

On the road and home

Travis J. Sylvester

e) Can people buy your art and if so, then in which form and where?

I offer originals and Giclee fine art prints on my website; www.TravzArt.com. I do offer originals as well as Giclee prints at various lodges and fly shops here around the Western United States. The Giclee prints that I offer can be printed on a 300 lb. fine art paper or canvas. Some of my work can also be seen and purchased on various products made by Montana Fly Company, Fincognito, and Patagonia spring of 2016.

Travis

Travis J. Sylvester

f) Where do you currently live and work?

I currently live in just outside of Salt Lake City Utah. I draw out of my home in an extra bedroom that serves as a studio, fly tying area, a place to listen to music and unwind. My job is also in the Salt Lake area as well.

In the sun and in the shadow

Travis J. Sylvester