We were lucky to catch up with Samara Ash recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samara, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Picture creativity as a muscle that requires consistent exercise and care to stay fit and well. But, how do you keep that metaphorical muscle in tiptop shape? You must hydrate it, nourish it, flex it, and place into practice a daily training routine.
I find ways to “Hydrate” by triggering emotion through listening to music, a powerful element that evokes sensations and refreshes thoughts into new reasoning. The nourishment comes from visiting museums and galleries where I become motivated by artworks that move me… watching inspirational films can also do the trick, but my go-to is observing other creatives at work – especially those I admire.
What about tapping into that feeling on demand? How do you build that “creative endurance”? Reps, reps & more reps. To encapsulate these feelings and take them with me into other moments in time, I workout daily by sketching out ideas, collecting images that speak to me, taking photographs, gathering mementos, and recording sounds all serving as tangible reminders of the experiences that fueled innovation. When it’s time to create, these elements become practices that I can revisit and use to transform thought into visual manifestations. The toned & strengthened creative muscle is now ready to hit the ground and perform at its full potential.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist based in Miami. My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in a quest to survey the dynamics of power and frailty through my artwork. Mirroring values, beliefs, and aspirations, art is a conduit through which we can take a look into the depths of human experience and spark meaningful dialogue.
In 2008, I established Samara Ash Studio (S.A.S.) with the idea of offering bespoke art solutions. At SAS, I have the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of individuals and communities, creating large-scale artworks and public installations that transcend mere aesthetics. By capturing the essence of each community through my artistic lens, I aim to not only beautify their surroundings but also leave a lasting impact on the lives of those who experience them.
My goal is to explore & push the boundaries of various art forms, creating works that motivate, trigger thought, uplift, and leave a lasting impression. Art is a powerful tool for social transformation—a language with boundless potential to allure us all into progression.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As a professional artist, I’ve found that three crucial qualities pave the road to success in this career: being inquisitive, consistent, and honest with oneself.
Let’s explore each of these qualities and how to develop them:
Inquisitive: Curiosity is the driving force behind creativity. It’s about asking questions, exploring new ideas, and seeking inspiration from the world around you. To cultivate this quality, it’s essential to stay open-minded and receptive to new experiences. Engage in research, whether it’s studying art history, learning about different cultures, speaking to other artists about their thought process, or experimenting with new techniques and mediums. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives; and in the words of Albert Einstein “The important thing is not to stop questioning” and understand that we ultimately know nothing.
Consistent: Consistency is the bedrock of any successful career. It’s about showing up day after day, putting in the work, and honing your craft. Developing consistency requires discipline and dedication. Set for yourself regular studio hours and stick to them, even when inspiration feels elusive. Practice your art consistently, whether it’s through daily sketches, weekly projects, or ongoing experimentation. Embrace the process of growth and improvement, knowing that each small step contributes to your artistic journey.
Honesty with Yourself: Self-awareness is essential for growth as an artist. It’s about being honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism and feedback, recognizing that they offer valuable insights for growth. Reflect on your artistic goals and aspirations, and be willing to adjust your course as needed. Stay true to your artistic vision and values, even when faced with external pressures or trends. Don’t compare yourself to others but rather seek to surpass TODAY the best version of yourself yesterday.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the main challenges I’m encountering is finding a balance in parenthood-n-paint land!
I just gave birth to my first baby and it is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope…over a pit of hungry Floridian alligators. Even though it is not a walk in the park, it is still one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.
This monumental life change has brought about a myriad of emotions and adjustments, both physically and emotionally. Gone are the days of leisurely painting and taking uninterrupted showers—now it’s all about sleep deprivation, baby burps, diaper changes, and “mooooo” says the cow (je je je… I often feel like a cow as I am my daughter’s sole source of food… breastmilk). And as if that wasn’t enough, throw in the Herculean task of painting large-scale murals in sweltering heat or cold, while scaling scaffolding like a ninja warrior. Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got this level of physical exertion?
I’m tackling this challenge head-on with a healthy dose of humor and self-care. Time management? Check. Carry extra clothes to change up spit-up-stained-t-shirts? Double Check. Patience? Nope… not so much, but I’ll get there. And let’s not forget the secret weapon: laughter. Because sometimes, all you can do is laugh with love at the absurdity of it all. So here’s to embracing the chaos, finding joy in the messiness of life, painting as many walls as I can, and maybe, just maybe, sneaking in a nap or two along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samaraash.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaraashstudio/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaraashstudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Samaraashstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaraashstudio
Image Credits
Samara Ash Studio
