Sylvia Valentine, Neighbor

I'm an artist (nature photographer and floral designs) and virtual operations and customer service manager.

My photography is a reflection of what my heart connects with in the moment. Sylvia means “Maiden of the Woods” and I feel at home in nature. I love capturing the Spirit of a place, experimenting with different angles and light to explore unique perspectives.

I re-discovered my love of photography on a trip to New Zealand in 2008 with my husband Paul. Friends and family encouraged me and I’ve enjoyed expanding into Open Studio shows, galleries and retail stores. I contribute a portion of all sales to non-profits I know and love like Pachamama.org and Nature.org.

Paul and I love to travel and experience the richness of other cultures and landscapes! And we’re always exploring nooks near our home too. Many of my favorite photos are from our own backyard...Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey Bay & Santa Cruz. I love the mystery of creating a hidden gem in something ordinary, and capturing the beauty of a moment…from a drive around town to an international adventure.

In 2023 I created my first photography book, a long held vision! Sanctuary: A Portal to Presence, combines heartfelt poems and quotes by favorite authors and new voices, to match the essence in each image. Click BOOK above.

I’ve recently launched “HeartFelt & Found” Floral Art, one-of-a-kind custom designs made from felt, paper, natural objects and vintage treasures and frames. I’ve created almost 200 custom designs with more to come! Look for my online shop coming soon. View them in person at my 2023 Santa Cruz Open Studios Art Tour, Oct 7-8 and Oct 21-22 at my home studio 11-5 pm at 33 Karen Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076. Click “Galleries” above and HeartFelt Floral Art for a sneak peek!

I’m honored with the prestigious 2023 Individual Emerging Artist Fellow Award by the CA Arts Council and SVCreates.

I believe art is like prayer and that nature is healing medicine. My intention is that my photography and floral art stirs something inside, connecting you more deeply with yourself and nature, creating a moment of silence and sanctuary in the noise of the world.

I live near Santa Cruz, in lovely Corralitos, CA, with my husband Paul Henrichsen (helicopter pilot, surfer, 4th generation family local) and our 2 furry felines, Fitz & Bindi. I have a BA in Ayurveda (Holistic) Medicine and an MA in Spiritual Psychology.

My photography is available in any size and format (metal, canvas, classic frames) and various fun photo products (greeting cards are a favorite). I'm honored to have my products in retail & gift shops. Contact me for wholesale orders. Thank you Santa Cruz for voting me Best Photographer 3 years in a row.

valentinesylvia@gmail.com

You don’t make a photograph with just a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved. - Author Unknown