Herman Sillas' art talent was recognized early when he won first prize in a 1947 Los Angeles City Unified School District poster contest. At fifteen, he was accepted at the prestigious Otis Art Institute of Los Angeles. The following year, the Institute awarded him a scholarship. But upon graduating from high school, he placed his art on hold to attend UCLA and pursue a law career.

 

THE CHICANO YEARS

 As a young lawyer in the turbulent sixties, he became part of the L.A. Chicano movement. His 1965 painting, "The Mexican American," depicting the conflict of the two cultures within each Mexican American and the search for identity made front page of the EL MALCRIADO newspaper. Posters of this painting are still in demand. When teacher Sal Castro led 4000 Chicano students in the Los Angeles 1968 Walkouts and was indicted, Sillas served as his attorney. The appellate court declared the indictment infringed free speech and dismissed the indictment. Sillas and other Chicano lawyers founded The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). The Chicano Movement and Mexican muralists had a pronounced impact on Sillas’ painting. Traces of that influence are still found in his work today.

 

THE POLITICAL YEARS

 In the seventies, Sillas ran twice unsuccessfully for a state-wide office. But in 1975, he was appointed Director of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles by Governor Jerry Brown. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter appointed Sillas as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California. During this period he continued painting exploring different techniques. Following his stint in government, Sillas returned to private practice and became the managing partner of a state-wide law firm. He became a weekend painter.

 

 In 2004, the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) commissioned him to paint a piece for its annual conference. Encouraged by the request, he became a more active artist. The following year he entered his work, Fiesta/USA, at the San Clemente Art Association’s February 2005 Show. His painting was awarded "Show’s Best." LA’s Best, a Los Angeles Unified School District’s after-school program, immediately purchased 2,500 posters of this work.

In 2006 and 2007, MALDEF commissioned him to paint its art pieces for the year. His efforts produced the historical view of MALDEF in "Young Warriors" and the moving and powerful "Voices, Footsteps, and Dreams." In his paintings, Sillas explores his roots and talent while calling on his experiences. Renowned Mexican muralist Armando Campero opined, "Sillas’ work reflects his experiences through heritage conscious eyes."

 

THE CONTINUAL SEARCH
Presently, Sillas paints in his San Clemente studio while practicing law in Los Angeles. He writes a monthly column, "View from the Pier," in the San Clemente Sun Post and contributes pieces to the Hispanic Link Syndication and the Language Magazine. Sillas presently editing his new book, "View from the Pier" which is a collection of selected articles and paintings. He may be reached at Sillasla@aol.com,  Herman Sillas Fine Arts (949) 498 6519, or The Sillas Law Firm (213) 362 1400 for commissioned work or more information.