 Regarding her work, daSilva notes: “My sculptural pieces are an ongoing series of artwork inspired by the pursuit of an evolved self and hopes for a more enlightened humanity. Creating multiple layers with paint, paper and plaster is a labor intensive process that resonates deeply with me, creating a near meditative state. I now see each layer as tangible units of my intentions. Each painting is a tactile ‘page’ containing hopes, dreams and aspirations. By ‘writing’ on the canvas - always with my eyes closed, and using my less dominant left hand to release any attachments to perfection - I aim to create a visual language that can be felt as well as seen."  You're beautiful darling, but are we finished? I love the raw and imperfect beauty of this piece. We've had a turbulent relationship. High summits of pleasure, and deep valleys of pain. Never boring. We either allow the process to keep evolving or stand back, observe what we've created together and let each other go. "Darling, I Am Here", acrylic & mixed media on canvas, 40 x 60 in  Follow your own voice. Or in the words of Steve Job's awesome and memorable Stanford speech: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."  The Summer Group Show at 15th Gallery is up and it's gorgeous! Featuring "Go As A River", acrylic & mixed media on canvas, 30 x 48 in. & "Release Allow", acrylic & mixed media on canvas 36 x 48 in. Open for viewing July 16 through August 12, 2021  Join us July 24 & 25, 2021 for my final on-line workshop this year! This workshop was specifically designed with my Australian & Canadian friends in mind, on account of the workshops & retreats that were COVID-canceled this year. For more information & to register: https://www.samanthadasilva.com/store/p251/FEARLESS_ABSTRACT_PAINTING.html   I tried to dress up like one of my paintings. How did I do? We can't help it. We paint who we are. The canvas is our mirror: “As Within, So Without”. A huge thanks to Workshop SLC for hosting the Artist-In-Residence Open House & the friends & family who contributed to making this event a resounding success.  Join us tonight 6-9 PM for our artist-in-residence OPEN HOUSE at Workshop SLC We look forward to connecting with you!  | NEW WORK | @15th Street Gallery 15th Street Gallery Summer Group Show July 16 - August 12, 2021 Preparations are underway for the upcoming SUMMER GROUP SHOW @15th Street Gallery in Salt Lake City. I am honored to be showcasing my new series of paintings amongst such incredible talent.  "To celebrate and connect to the Utah landscape, Samantha uses the area's unique red dirt, local sawdust, and salt from the Great Salt Lake to add texture and interest to her paintings. Although her pieces may not be local landmarks as their subjects, they certainly honor physical location and can be powerful markers of place. Samantha jokes that she might not be painting the mountain, but she is painting with the mountain." Danielle Vigueria, Western Home Journal Summer/Fall 2021 |