Samantha: The first minute of Janet Jackson’s music video for “Pleasure Principle” is a series of shots of her turning on the lights inside a giant industrial space that is likely meant to be her home, is probably an abandoned warehouse,and simultaneously her gym and dance studio. The many switches that she flips have a satisfying sound one can almost hear in their finger tips. Then each light illuminates something new, a kitchen table, a sculpture, the random birds flying around this cavernous space. MY home studio is small but light with an absurd amount of studio lighting kits. They make a similar sound. So often in a private ceremony to begin a long studio day, I play Janet’s music video or blast the song in my headphones- and the “zone” is set! Honestly, watch the video, and then tell me if turning a dark room to light ever feels the same?
In a parallel universe, what would your life be like? What would your art be like?
Samantha: In a parallel universe I would be a set designer for a show like Fraggle Rock and that would be where all of my creative energy lived.
In a parallel universe I would be a set designer for a show like Fraggle Rock and that would be where all of my creative energy lived.
Who are one of your earliest sources of inspiration?
Samantha: Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy and Rose.
Who is one of your newest found sources of inspiration?
Samantha: I have sadly only recently heard of the Painter Martha Edelheit and I feel so profoundly moved by her work. I wish I had her as a “studio guide” my whole practice, but regardless I feel ecstatic to know her work now. She is 92 and still making incredibly gorgeous and ambitious (sometimes 16ft wide) paintings.
1) Long studio days 2) A messy studio that makes total sense to only me 3) When ideas suddenly click and it feels like personal magic 4) Getting lost in deep research wells 5) Knowing (trusting) that all of the above are all important parts of doing my job
DESPISE
1) There is never a way to clock out. No end of day, no weekend, no vacation days… 2) Having to be a business manager when I originally only signed up for the creative part. 3) Having to be a studio manager as well 4) Self funding 5) Self promotion
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