 Dear Lovers, At the end of every year, I like to take some time to reflect on my experiences. What did I do? How did it feel? Is there anything I want to change or avoid? Is there anything I want to repeat? Is my life on the right track? 2021 was a challenging year both personally and professionally. As a result, I find myself extremely thankful for: my health, my family, a loving partnership, a growing small business (despite the pandemic), and an incredible community of talented, inspiring people. I am truly humbled for the support of loved ones, new and old friends, and fellow small business owners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting your trust in me and my vision. I acknowledge your faith and kindness, it is not taken for granted. Seeing you enjoy my paintings, and thrive as a result of my workshops is a daily reminder of why I started painting & teaching in the first place. I transition to 2022 with renewed strength and hope for a beautiful year ahead of us. I pledge to reflect that same love and support I've been shown. I'm so excited to see what 2022 has in store for us. Love, Samantha  Emotional and Brilliant. Jordan Peterson Articulates "Why Art": "They are sacred objects and we gaze at them in ignorance and wonder, and the reason for that is... the unknown shines through them at us in partially articulated form."  Divine Harmony & Ocean In A Drop acrylic & mixed media on canvas 40 x 60 in. each Over my lifetime I have been plagued by the question: Where do I belong? I’m Brazilian but I don’t live in Brazil. I’m Canadian but I don’t live in Canada. I live in the USA but I am not quite an American.  Still I Rise acrylic & mixed media on canvas 24 x 30 in. Shadow Work involves getting in touch with the parts of yourself that you've repressed — or what some might refer to as their "dark side." When you dive into the unconscious material which shapes your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, you allow for the expression of a fuller, more authentic version of yourself.  Darling, I Am Here acrylic & mixed media on canvas 12 x 12 in. each As our world shifts, my painting practice is my refuge. When we take care of ourselves, we can earnestly say to others: "Darling, I am here for you." Our world needs our solidity and our calmness now more than ever.  Cosmic Chant acrylic & mixed media on canvas 24 x 48 in. We are all beings of light. Put another way, we are spiritual beings having a human experience.  2 Openings in One Night! Thank you Alpine Art & Frame and Workshop SLC for contributing to the health & vitality of our community by supporting local artists.  Hierarchy of Angels acrylic & mixed media on canvas 36 in. x 48 in. My recent trip to Costa Rica has inspired me. I think this is why I reached for the neon pink?! There are many layers on this painting. I think of each layer as a "chapter" in a book. Some chapters I like better than others, but each chapter is absolutely integral to the visual story. I suppose artists are just that: Visual Storytellers.  My meditative painting process is a juxtaposition of seemingly opposing forces: wild abandon and ritualistic order. Balancing these polarities can often feel like taming a wild horse. Although I prefer to work without preconceived ideas - encouraging each painting to unfold in unexpected, often surprising results, the repetitive nature of adding and subtracting layers to the canvas conjures up the same feelings as one might feel counting beads on a mandala. |
