Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Clarke.
Hi Samantha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
By summer 2020, I had two pivotal experiences that forced me to start Mother Art. I was pregnant with my second son, Patrick (born October 2020) and I lost and a job that, come to find out, was not great for my mental health. For once, I had the time and space to ask the question “What do you really want to do in this life?” I wanted to make art. And be a mom. And earn a living doing something I loved, which was creating beautiful things. I figured I couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, so in an effort to feel more connected to other mothers and artists in my area, I blindly reached out to as many as I could on Instagram. From there, Mother Art was born!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Other than giving birth 5 weeks after I decided to totally reimagen my life and what it could be, it’s been a amazing journey. The most difficult part is losing substantial income and not replacing it with something relatively close. It’s motivating, however, to make work and put myself out there so I can earn the money we need. Overall, my cup has never been so full.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I paint, mostly. I like to expand and use other materials, like wood, paper, yarn, tulle, GLITTER, resin, and anything else that strikes my fancy. My background was in printmaking, which has a rich tradition of having a rather maverick-like sensibility when it comes to getting the job done. I am mostly known for bold, rich colors and having a fairly chaotic, unpredictable palette. Also, I use a lot of glitters. Like a lot. And I take it very seriously. I think I am a little less curated and more candid than other artists. I don’t like the idea that artists are mysterious and withholding.
What’s next?
I plan to expand my reach and sell more art! I want to get real art from real people to the masses. I loathe going to Target or Home Goods and seeing blah artwork for sale when there is SO much good stuff out there. Sharing this message and concept with as many people as possible is my number one goal right now. Essentially, I am hoping to spark a movement!
Moving forward, will there be anything I can share with my people via newsletter or instagram? Do you need photos? (I forget if we’ve done that yet!)
Contact Info:
- Email: motherartstl@gmail.com
- Website: www.motherartstl.com
- Instagram: motherartstl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherartstl
- Twitter: motherart_stl
Image Credits
Heidi Drexler Photography
