MEET Samantha Williams: A T8N interview

Some people look at the landscape and see the sky and the ground. Samantha Williams Chapelsky sees a relationship. And painting it is her passion. Inspired by her travels near and far, her abstract landscapes reflect both her love for the prairie narrative and her years studying art in Tuscany. Home, however, is where her paintbrush is. And fortunately for us, that’s St. Albert. We were lucky enough to chat with her earlier this month, and here’s a little of what she shared with us.

t8n: What is your medium of choice?

SWC: I have worked in a whole host of media over the years of my artistic practice, but I’ve remained working primarily in both acrylic and oil paint. I find they are the most conducive to my work at the moment. That being said, I think there’s an amazing benefit to learning and working in unfamiliar media. It can challenge your mind and ensure that you are never stagnant. I often switch between multiple media, including silk painting, sculpture, oil and acrylic to ensure I never get tired of a particular medium.

t8n: What themes are you attracted to in your work?

SWC: I love working with the Alberta and BC landscapes. I find that these two scenes surround me every day, and I am always fascinated by the relationship between the sky and ground. I often teach landscape classes where I teach students to simplify the prairies simply by finding the horizon line and creating a sky and ground. This delineation can create harmony in a painting that is both mysterious (as we never know what is in the distance) and freeing (because we cannot see the end).

t8n: Do you have a philosophy about being an artist?

SWC: I think for myself, I truly am passionate about what I do. I love to paint every day. And I guess my philosophy stems from that passion and love of art. I believe that creativity is constantly in change and that our inspiration to be creative lies in the natural landscape around us. Where the phones are quiet, where power does not run, where light and dark happens naturally. I live for moments of peace in the prairies and find these beautiful and awe-inspiring to paint.

t8n: What role (if any) does social media play in your career?

SWC: It is funny to think of the role social media has had for me… It has truly helped me build my business to what it is today. As a marketing site, as a way to connect, as a place for inspiration, ideas and knowledge—I could not have built my business the same way without social media. I currently use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and an e-newsletter site, as well as WordPress, and I highly recommend any local business become active on social media.

t8n: What advice has influenced you?

SWC: I had some wonderful advice through my career, but I think the most poignant is to “follow your dreams, and be the most creative and passionate person you know.” It is a little Disney-esque, but I believe it and fight for it every day.

t8n: What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

SWC: My biggest risk was becoming a full-time artist. It has been a long process, and it is one that will never stop being a challenge. I think that I am choosing a very different path, and the thought of not having a consistent source of income can be scary. But, in my mind, it is liberating for my artistic talents. I am free to try new things, experiment and challenge the status quo. It is a risk worth fighting for.

t8n: Where do you see yourself and your work in five years?

SWC: I hope to be having more international exhibitions and continuing to grow as an artist. I never want to become stagnant in a style or type of painting. I hope to be teaching and travelling the world, being inspired by the landscape around me.