This month, we spoke with the ever-imaginative Sam: inspiration to family and friends, always growing and improving her craft. She described for us her ambitions, her creative process, and the artistic vision she has for St. Johns.
Sam is a junior at St. Johns High School. She labels herself as both an artist and a cookie dough ice cream aficionado. Sam shared with us that as a young elementary student, Sam noticed others’ knack for creativity, thus sparking her own. As her peers’ interest in art shifted, Sam’s only deepened, leaning into her competitive side. Today, Sam continues to refine her skills. She noted her current interest in still life and portraits, and her preference for working with pencils. Sam talked about how pencil work allows for more flexibility, so she can modify her project as inspiration strikes. Sam’s biggest influences include primarily anime artists, and their impression on her childhood – these incredibly talented artists made such an impact on her. Sam spoke fondly of the murals throughout the city of St. Johns, and particularly the ones on the local Rail Trail, located under the 127 overpass. She shared that murals and graffiti are incredibly inspiring for her, and reminisced about memories of driving to see similar art with old friends. Sam told us this is what she loves about her St. Johns community: She is surrounded by good people, and believes there is someone everyone can identify with in her hometown.
Speaking on her plans for the future, Sam plans to apply for college and pursue a career in art conservation. This includes fixing degraded art, cleaning it, and preserving it for collectors. Though intricate, detailed, and tedious work, Sam told us she finds relaxation in that. She has lifelong goals to witness the Louvre in person, told us about her love for oil paintings, and Baroque. The blend of color and detail is a technique and style she adores. For the meantime, Sam continues to grow as an artist with her fellow students.
