Meet Samantha Newby

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Newby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I had to stop relying on my romantic partners to fill a part of me that lacked self-love. I was desperate for love, approval, and validation, but all I got was one failed relationship after the other. After the last, I realized the only person that can make me feel good about myself, is myself. So I started to go to therapy, prioritize my physical health, and cut back on drinking. Since then I’ve realized how crucial it is to begin a self-love journey-so much so that my first solo show is based around my own.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Sam Newby, also known as KIJI BAE, is a Korean-American oil painter, show curator, mixologist, and founder of THE ART PARTY. She showcases her artwork across prominent galleries in Denver, Arvada, Atlanta, and Louisville. Presently, she is dedicated to preparing for her solo exhibition titled ‘CUTIES,’ scheduled for viewing at Aurora Gallery in Louisville this November. ‘CUTIES’ delves into themes of self-love and introspection, offering a therapeutic journey for her inner child within an imagined realm. Her work also tackles subjects such as racial imposter syndrome and personal growth through adversity.
Simultaneously, Sam is actively curating group exhibitions for her pop-up initiative, THE ART PARTY. Her ultimate ambition is to establish a gallery and bar that hosts collective exhibitions spotlighting local artists, complemented by cocktails infused with Korean influences.
She aims to establish an inclusive space designed for hosting shows featuring individuals of diverse skill levels. This initiative is intended to cultivate a supportive community environment where everyone can gather to mutually support one another. The overarching goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and camaraderie, providing a platform for individuals to showcase their talents while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails in an inviting atmosphere.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Physical health, communication, audaciousness.

1- I realized after starting my self-love journey how important it is to care for my physical health/strength. I often think about how grateful I am to be able-bodied to do all the things I do. I never want that privilege to disappear so I want to do everything in my power to prevent that-meaning I work out almost everyday. I have seen how pushing myself in the gym/running has translated into my practice in the studio and life in general. I started by going to the gym to walk, slowly moved to weights, and now four years later I’m lifting way heavier than I ever thought I was capable of.

2- social anxiety kept me from building so many relationships up to their potential in the past, and I think about where I would be today if I was just able to communicate comfortably. I knew i had to conquer my inability to hold a conversation if I wanted to progress in life. Talking to a therapist has helped, and funny enough, making meaningless talking tiktoks that no one watches has helped. I call it “practice talking”. There’s no pressure and I genuinely have seen a difference in how I operate in public.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Doing everything by myself. My own artwork, promotion, curating, creating cocktails, graphic design, commissions, part-time bartending, YouTube. I don’t necessarily need help, investors for my gallery/bar initiative would be helpful 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻

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