Today I’m sitting down with Samantha Jezek, a Western Oklahoma artist who creates colorful abstracts and brightly colored faces and figures that will add a little touch of happiness to your art collection.
In this interview, Samantha shares about her first series as an artist titled ‘Not Alone’, the designer trade program she started last year, her favorite part about seeing her work in a client’s home, and words of advice for budding artists.
You studied Fine Art at Oklahoma State University and in Tuscany, Italy. What was the most memorable moment from your time spent in Tuscany?
My most memorable moment was going from town to town and seeing the historic artwork, sculptures, and Ancient Rome. Everywhere you looked there was art in every form whether that be in architecture or a painting and sculptures.
Your work features a combination of bold colors and simplicity. Did you define your artistic style early on in your career, or did it take a while to find your style?
It took a while to find my style. It was a lot of exploration and finding myself to get in the groove.
Your first series was titled, “Not Alone.” Tell about what inspired this series.
This series is very close to my heart. In my 20s I struggled with addiction to hard drugs. I was always a good girl until I started live painting with bands and found myself experimenting with drugs after concerts. I was in a downward spiral my senior year of college, touring with bands and finally, I hit rock bottom a couple of years later losing my friends and family. Since then I have restored my family ties and I’m so grateful for my experience because it led me to where I am now. I’m much stronger than I would ever hope to be without going through what I did. But I remember feeling very alone throughout it all, especially at the beginning of my recovery. I didn’t want to talk to anyone at first because I didn’t want it to be awkward or dark. When I started my series I wanted to reach people in any way to know that you are not alone. It’s sometimes hard to convey this with words, so I felt a standing woman alone, within a series can represent women all over the world going through adversity, uniting them and knowing they are ‘Not Alone’.
What color palette are you using in your current work?
My color palette has shifted a little since after the New Year. Instead of using vibrant colors, I am going in a softer and richer direction. Oranges, blush pink, powder blue, taupes, deep greens and pastel yellows. I love playing with color, I studied color theory in color.
How do you begin a typical day in the studio?
A typical day in the studio involves loud music, I’ve been into Colter Wall, Noah Karan, and Zach Bryan. Lighting a candle with at least three drinks by my side; water, coffee I drink a flat white from Starbucks or a Latte with extra espresso. And sometimes a kombucha.
If you had to choose between painting abstracts, figures, or faces, which would you choose?
This is a hard one… Figures take a lot more time to plan shapes and proportions. But I love taking my time on them and strategizing all the colors that play and talk to one another. So figures would probably be my pick!
What is the best part of seeing your final work in a client’s home?
I love seeing how they envisioned it. It brings it all together and makes me happy they love something I created enough to make it a part of their home.
Tell me about the designer program you created.
SJA Designer Trade Program was developed in 2023. It’s very new and starting to take off!! It connects the artist and designer with an incentive of 20% off trade. A designer can sign up through my website. All they have to do is fill out the form and I will follow up with an appointment to chat. 2024 for me is all about connecting! After we have a call I will have a better idea of the designer’s needs. You don’t have to place an order right then. It’s just about talking and connecting. After that, I can send over my information and price lists for any future art needs.
Out of the commissioned work you’ve created, what has been your favorite piece you’ve worked on?
Creating a commission is so personal. When a client comes to me with an idea of using my figures to represent their family it warms my heart. My favorite to date was a family with three boys and a mother. She was the sweetest to work with. She ordered it and had the perfect spot for it in her study. The colors were jewel tones. I still love seeing it when she sends me updates as she adds pieces to the room.
What are your words of advice for aspiring artists?
Don’t give up… It took me probably 2-3 years to find what I love to do. You have to experiment and try so many things. Follow your heart and be in tune with your gut. There will always be those people who try to tell you what you need to paint or what not to paint. That all doesn’t matter. You have to find what makes you happy to create and your work will evolve independently.
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