My name is Andy Slivka. I received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Art Education at Illinois State University along with a Studio Art degree in Painting in 2007. I also hold a Master's degree in Reading Education as well, having received this in 2012. I have been an early elementary art teacher in the south Chicago suburbs since 2008. 
Most of my life has been filled with creativity, experimenting with materials and discovering new processes that coincide with those materials. I thoroughly enjoy making artworks and objects and have actively done so for decades. 
Why "Plum Originals"?
      Long ago, my grandfather shared the same name as me.  He was a prominent member of his community and countless people in his life thought highly of him.  The main nickname he received was "Plum", due to the fact that Slivka translates to plum in Slovak.  My grandfather went by this nickname often: around his friends, in his bowling league, and everywhere in between.  This is somewhat of a nod to my grandpa and I know it would make him proud.