Ms. Silva worked for 10 years as a graphic designer and art director in the publication industry before her interests led her to the field of Book Arts. She interned in the book conservation labs of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia under Hedi Kyle and of the Library Company in Philadelphia. She has also worked as a book conservation technician at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifact in Philadelphia under Glen Ruzicka.

Ms. Silva presently lives and works in Florence, Italy where she runs a private studio specializing in custom bookworks and limited edition artist’s books. She also teaches Book Arts with several universities and institutions including The University of Georgia, Santa Reparata International School of Art, Fuji Studios, Syracuse University and the Maragoni Studios.

In 1998 Ms. Silva was named a Maestra Rilegatore in the international bookbinding competition “100 Maestri Rilegatori per L”Infinito.” Ms. Silva’s work may be found in several collections both in the US and in Italy.