Pronouns: any/all
Location: Portland, Oregon
Website: www.sampletcher.com

Sam's artistry is a kaleidoscope of expression, weaving together the vibrancy of sequins, the stroke of the brush, the press of prints, and the playfulness of stickers. Each creation is a bold exploration of color, a celebration of queerness, a reflection on humanity, and an infusion of humor, inviting onlookers into a world where every medium tells a part of the story.

Your journey as a queer artist from Minnesota to Oregon is fascinating. How have these contrasting environments influenced your artistic style and the themes you explore?

Oregon and Minnesota, the only places I have lived as an adult, have long, gray winters. Minnesota's is harsh and snowy, while Oregon’s is less brutal but constantly colorless with lots of rain. It’s not a vibrant scene, so I was driven to seek vibrancy. And then, naturally, as someone who likes to make things, I create my own vibrancy through creating lots of arts and crafts.

You mentioned your love for experimenting with different mediums, including painting, drawing, and sewing sequins. What draws you to sequins as a medium, and how do you incorporate them into your artistic expression?

I was collecting sequins before I even knew what to do with them. They’re just enticing, tiny pieces of shiny nonsense; what’s not to like? The first time I used them to make art was when I decided to see if I could cover an entire blank canvas by only sewing sequins, just as a whim, and to see what it would look like. And it looked really cool! So, I made more and played around with what was possible. Could I slice out parts of the canvas and patch it with sequins? Yes! Could I sew the edges and corners of the canvas? Not really, not without lots of effort and poked fingertips. Could I use a canvas with cross-stitch fabric instead so it would be easier to cover all the surfaces? Yes! Exploration without judgement is an essential part of my artistic practice.

Sequins often carry symbolic meanings, especially in the context of queer culture. Could you share more about how you perceive sequins as symbols of visible queerness and defiance and how these themes inspire your creative process?

Sequins are a commonly overlooked item, frequently associated with cheapness, and maybe that’s why I like them so much. Like glitter, sequins are also a symbol of visible queerness and an important artifact of the recent past, when all homosexual activity had to happen after dark for fear of being arrested.

Your description of bravery in expressing oneself despite public reaction resonates deeply. How do you balance vulnerability and resilience in your art, particularly when addressing queerness and identity?

True resiliency is remaining vulnerable and unhardened after and despite traumatic incidents. And unfortunately, queer people experience higher rates of trauma in our society. It’s hard work to return to softness after facing anguish, but it is so vital that we work as individuals to not isolate and retreat within ourselves. Because we desperately need each other, and we desperately need a queer community where people feel safe to unmask and be themselves. Without that, it’s unsustainable for one person to be expected to endure hardship and remain resilient all on their own.

Humor and color seem to play significant roles in your artistic practice. Can you elaborate on how you infuse these elements into your work to explore complex emotions and thoughts and how they contribute to your creative vision?

It’s important to me that people know that it’s okay to laugh at art. Life is very funny, and art is no exception. I think the seriousness and sterility of the fine art world are absurd and a bit sad. That’s not reflective of real life, in my opinion. Humans are messy, chaotic, and weird, so why try to disguise that fact?

I explore many of my emotions through making art, and I can find out things about myself that were slightly obscured from standard thought patterns. I don’t know how I would feel if I couldn’t investigate myself that way. It’s a part of my creative process, and if I had to edit and manipulate my output in a way where the silliness and emotion weren’t visible, the end result would be much more meaningless.

Fuck, Marry, Fear = RuPaul, David Bowie mullet, Rainbow Sequin Jumpsuit

Fuck: David Bowie mullet. It’s good to try different haircuts, but I don’t know if I want to sport a mullet forever and ever.

Marry: Rainbow sequin jumpsuit, duh.

Fear: RuPaul, he’s so powerful!! Though he told me I was cute at the Minneapolis Pride Festival when Drag Race was just starting, so it’s a friendly fear.

Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Actively schedule a time to relax and enjoy hobbies that are not work-related. Whether reading, hiking, or spending time with loved ones, ensure this downtime is non-negotiable. It’s crucial for recharging your creative energy. #SelfCare :)

Article of the week

Networking Within the Queer Creative Community: Opportunities and Strategies

Networking is a pivotal aspect of career success, especially for queer creators looking to navigate the complexities of the creative industries. The queer community provides a strong support system that not only understands the specific challenges related to queer identities but also offers robust encouragement and guidance. Leveraging this support can be instrumental in finding mentors, collaborators, and a receptive audience for your work.

Opportunities for Queer Networking

Community Support: Immersing yourself in the queer community connects you with individuals who can offer valuable insights and support tailored to the nuances of queer experiences.

Access to Specialized Opportunities: Numerous organizations and events specifically cater to queer creators. These platforms are crucial for showcasing your work and connecting with an audience that values queer perspectives.

Authentic Connections: Networking in spaces that celebrate queer identities fosters genuine and meaningful professional relationships, which are essential for personal comfort and professional integrity.

Effective Networking Strategies

Diversify Your Network: While engaging within the queer community is beneficial, also connecting with broader industry groups can enhance your career opportunities and creative perspectives.

Utilize Digital Platforms: Online forums, social media groups, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn are vital for connecting with queer professionals and allies.

Pursue Mentorship: Both formal programs and informal relationships with established creators can provide you with crucial career guidance.

Give Back: Contributing your skills to community projects enriches your network and establishes you as a valuable, active member.

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

Description: QWOCMAP creates, exhibits, and distributes high-impact new films that authentically reflect the lives of queer women of color, both cisgender & transgender, and nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and transgender people of color of any orientation, and address the vital, intersecting social justice issues that concern our multiple communities.

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