Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Siegel.
Sam, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. From an early age, like most young kids, I especially enjoyed coloring and drawing. My 3rd grade teacher noticed how interested I was in art, and one day she mentioned to my parents that she thought I had a strong ‘artistic’ talent. From that moment on, my parents started taking me to the local art galleries and museums, where I was exposed to a great variety of styles and ideas.
Growing up, I was always aware of the incredible natural beauty of the city-scape. But the freedom and independence I got once I obtained my driver’s license really became a watershed moment for me. That freedom allowed me to explore the area in a totally different way, and I became interested in hiking and mountain climbing. My introspective love of the outdoors is a major influence on my artistic endeavors, and the subject-matter that I enjoy exploring in my paintings.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Not including my commissioned works, most of my paintings may be considered to be ‘abstract landscapes’. My subject matter is largely influenced by the spectacular vistas from all perspectives here in British Columbia.
I paint using either acrylics or oils. Acrylics dry fairly quickly, and thus require a faster pace, and also produce a certain treatment of texture and color manipulation that’s quite different from oil paints. I first began painting with acrylics as my medium of choice, and all of my early work was done in that medium. But later I discovered the subtlety of color and shading that only oil paints afford. My most recent work has been created using oil-based paints. I continue to enjoy exploring new ideas in both mediums.
The Pacific North West encompasses both ocean and mountain vistas, and possesses a unique and spectacular beauty that is forever informing and inspiring my art. I love to go hiking and camping, and always take pictures wherever I go. There is a certain ‘peaceful spirituality’ one gets in these endeavors. That feeling of awe-struck beauty and solace deeply informs my art, and is part of the intended message I hope others will find in my paintings.
My photographs are often the stepping stones to my paintings. Upon returning from my ‘weekend excursions’ I invariably go to the drawing board with a plethora of new ideas. Inspired by the photographs I have taken, I often precede my paintings first with pencil drawings, playing with numerous organic shapes and perspectives. My paintings eventually ‘find themselves’ in these preliminary drawings. People who buy my paintings commonly cite my ‘color palette’ as one of the things that attracts them to my art. Personally, I enjoy discovering scenes that have a fairy-tale or other-worldly feel, with warped perspectives, thick textures, and simplified forms. My intent is to create an image that makes me see with a new vision, and inspires me to want to explore further. I hope the viewer will feel a similar sense of wonder and curiosity in my work.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
As I mentioned, I believe the two most important qualities any artist must maintain are discipline and curiosity. Do that, and you will always see progress!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is on display at my own self-titled, family-run, gallery, SamsOriginalArt, here in Vancouver, BC. All of my work is available for sale, both in original and giclée format, and can be purchased directly at the gallery, or on-line via my web site, SamsOriginalArt.com (and we offer free shipping anywhere in the continental US and Canada).
My work can also be viewed on instagram (@SamsOriginalArt), and I always enjoy the support of my fans, who can ‘like’ my work on www.facebook.com/samsoriginalart/.
Contact Info:
- Address: SamsOriginalArt
1736 West 2nd Ave
Vancouver, BC
V6J 1H6 - Website: www.SamsOriginalArt.com
- Phone: 604-738-1223
- Email: sam@samsoriginalart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/samsoriginalart/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/samsoriginalart/
Image Credit:
All paintings by Sam Siegel
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