How would you describe your work to someone seeing it for the first time?
It’s really something you’re supposed to feel. Yes there is a story. But, it’s more like an experience. I care more about the feeling you get than the thoughts you think towards what it could mean. It can mean whatever it means to you, as long as you feel something deep in your chest from it. I paint the feeling because the words don’t exist or fall short.
What ideas, themes, or emotions tend to show up again and again in your work?
The exploration of my inner landscape and diving deeper into self. Who am I and what makes up how I think? Different thoughts and feelings that bubble up inside me create indescribable feelings, some that are hard to sit with, others I can’t even begin to put into words. So I paint them. I paint them like a movie I see in my head. Playing out frame by frame and I pick a frame to sit on. To create and bring it out of my headspace and into the physical world.
What inspires you most right now, and why?
The words “chaos”, “maelstrom,” and “revolt” seem to be appearing in pieces in the last couple of months. Not sure why, other than I have been listening to a lot of punk rock lately and things seem to be in a period of upheaval at the moment.
What does your creative process typically look like from start to finish?
I normally start with a rough concept based on a song I heard that made me feel a certain way or a movie or even real life experiences. From that concept/rough sketch I gather materials and props and decide a location for a photoshoot where I get into character and “play the role”. I take anywhere from 20 to 100 photos (maybe even more depending on how good the shoot is going.) From the photos I take my time and select the ones that stick with me the most, capturing closest to the essence of the feeling I was aiming for. Once my final reference image is selected I then get it printed off on a simple piece of printer paper and hold it in my left hand as I begin to paint with my right. It typically takes 2 weeks to a month to complete one of my paintings (depending on the scale and details included.)
Was there a turning point when you started taking your art practice seriously? What happened?
It was just when I was about to give up actually. 2 years out of art college and I was thinking art wasn’t a direction I could take in my life so I was going to sell my stained glass in the basement of my parents house to make some extra money until I could find a full time job. The first person who came by saw all of my paintings in the basement of my parents house and was blown away by the amount of work I had. He then introduced me to everyone working at the Mansfield Art Center, and from there I was supported and encouraged strongly to continue pursuing my passion.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
I’m not exactly sure. Something inside of me just says “Ok, that’s good.” and I pull my hands back and step back (like when they say “time’s up!” in a cooking show) Something inside me knows and it’s not necessarily based on logic. Because I can see sections that I technically could work on more. But, could does not mean should. Art instinct knows that, it’s subconscious knowing of completion.
Favorite tool, equipment or material you can’t live without.
Angle brushes. I love me some angle brushes. I don’t know if it’s supposed to be the only one you use for everything (But, I definitely use it for everything.)
What has been one of the biggest lessons you've learned as an artist so far?
That the art world often makes it feel like you have to stick with one thing your whole life as an artist because that is your “style”. I realized after finding myself getting depressed making art that fit into my old formula of what worked before was no longer working. I had pigeon holed myself because I thought that’s what I needed to do. Something inside me was ready for a change because as I grow and change so too should my art. I am not stagnant and my art can’t be either. The moment I allowed myself to shift outside of what was comfortable and “safe” I began to flourish again. I felt alive and my art felt alive. Because it was so genuine and authentic to how I was feeling currently, even audiences were more receptive to my work.
What are you currently working on or exploring next?
I’m working on figuring out ways to take the painting off of the canvas. Playing with illusion, perspective and messing with peoples minds. I want to create disorienting experiences!
Where can people find more of your work online (website and social links)?
My website Samfineart.com , on Instagram @sam_the_painter , and Facebook @SamanthaSchneiderFineArts