We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dominique Samarco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dominique below.
Dominique, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up in a working-class family, I watched my father labor 6 to 7 days a week, often doing physically demanding jobs. To support us, he would wake up at 1 a.m. and wouldn’t return home until 1 p.m. the following day. His relentless work ethic eventually took a toll on his body, forcing him onto disability. This was the reality of lower-income families—a reality shaped by a system that allowed such overwork to be able to live somewhat comfortable. Despite this, I was deeply influenced by his unwavering commitment and resilience. While I recognize the system is broken, I will always admire my father’s strength and determination to give us a better life and that it did.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Philadelphia-based artist and educator committed to fostering creativity, voice, and accessibility in the arts. I began my artistic journey at the Community College of Philadelphia, earning an Associate of Arts in Art and Design, before completing a B.F.A. in Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art. I later earned a Master of Education with a focus on Art Education, graduating with distinction and receiving the Ann and Jack Moskovitz Art Education Research Award.
My work spans murals, as well as private and public collections across the East Coast, reflecting my dedication to storytelling through art. As an educator, I taught Art Studio, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, and AP Art and Design in Philadelphia high schools. Currently, I am spearheading the development of a new art department in a school where art was previously inaccessible, creating an inclusive and empowering space for young artists.
I believe that art is a transformative tool for self-expression and empowerment and I committed to making it accessible to all students and Artist no matter your social status or background.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience—holding onto my vision no matter where the journey leads—is at the core of my current body of work, Philly Dreamin’ & Becoming. To me, the journey is the real success: it’s about who you become, how you grow, and how you develop into the person you’re meant to be. I believe in rooting dreams in purpose and service. One can ask yourself how your dreams can uplift, support, or inspire others. And above all, staying a student of life: constantly reflecting, learning, and finding meaning in both the highs and the challenges.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
I think the real meaning of life is how many people you can positively impact. I would spend the rest of my days trying to add to as many spaces as possible and try to transform and uplift people to see their greatest potential and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dominiquesamarco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesamarco/
Image Credits
Dominique Samarco
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