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SOUL IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Samuel “ Sam ” L . White
I loved art at a very early age . Art was and continues to serve as a positive outlet for me emotionally . Allan Kollar , my art teacher at Bothell High School in Washington , saw that I had some talent and encouraged me to experiment . His encouragement led me to boldly outlining faces with black markers and filling in with bold bright colors which grew into a distinct style . However , I walked away from art school possibilities to join the Air Force . I was stationed overseas and served my country in Desert Storm . After nine years in the military , I apprenticed as a plumber and eventually opened my own business , “ Sam the Plumber .” Running a business and raising a family didn ’ t allow much time for creating , so my passion laid dormant for many years .
Sam is passionate about the community and supporting nonprofits , so you ’ ll see his pieces at regional fundraisers and auctions .
Keep up with his gallery schedule on Facebook – samwhitegallery , or on his website ,
www . samtheartist . com . Scan the QR code to find out more .
Now retired , with a home studio , I am blessed to spend many hours with a paint brush in hand . My pieces begin layer by layer with acrylic pen details then I add acrylic paint and build up the strength and personality of the piece with bold colors and forms . I ’ m drawn to bright and bold colors or realistic black and whites . I like innovating with new applications and materials . Most of my work leans to the whimsical , but it ’ s constantly evolving . As I grow and experience new things , my art evolves with me .
“ My pieces begin layer by layer with acrylic pen details then I add acrylic paint and build up the strength and personality of the piece with bold colors and forms .”
I like to work on almost any size canvas , from two inches to several feet , and enjoy the challenge of unique materials . I ’ ve worked on driftwood furniture , walking sticks , river rock , large murals , and even a Harley Davidson . It is so rewarding when a one-of-a-kind piece really turns out incredible .
Most recently I have enjoyed tooling my art into leather , creating rock and sports star portraits , cherished pets , landscapes , and more . I ’ ve also recycled scrap metal to weld into fun faces . I just sit down , and it flows out of me . I never have a plan unless it ’ s a commission . I gravitate to faces , though . They ’ re expressive , colorful , and no two are alike .
74 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE