SAMANTHA SIEGEL
creates
ABOUT ME
I am a contemporary artist based in West Los Angeles driven by a lifelong passion for the arts. In addition to self exploration, I received formal training during undergrad at Loyola Marymount University where I was introduced to new materials, mediums, and mentors that led me to craft my own lively, warm style.
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, I found myself compelled to expand my skills so I could help children do the same. With a focus in art education and an emphasis in painting, I delegated my time to refining my painting techniques and guest teaching elementary and middle school art classes. The combination of hands on lessons paired with my authentic fascination to three dimensional design inspired me to incorporate physical components into my once two dimensional works, resulting in the advancement of my artworks and my individual aesthetic.
My art explores a spectrum of gravity, with some works mostly playful and experimental and others more profound. Although the subject matters vary typically with an assortment of natural elements, I consistently illuminate my attraction to energy and emotion by creating layers both physically and metaphorically. As I continue working on independent projects, I look forward to pushing traditional boundaries while simultaneously seeking out experienced artists and future artists to further progress the learning and teaching cycle.
GALLERY
2 Dimensional Works
Acrylic painting of a window shop in Venice. 30 in x 40 in. Spring 2023.
Inspired by a vintage costume shop in Chicago, an environment that allowed individuals to find accessories that are as extravagant as they are, I took a similar approach. I wanted to add physical components to the painting to emphasize the weight that comes with being your own authentic self. This piece was created to illuminate those who do not necessarily fit in, the ones that dull themselves down for others, the ones that turn heads. 30" x 30" Spring 2024.
Portrait acrylic painting from my fall independent study. 30" x 40" Fall 2023.
Colorless acrylic still-life. First painting from painting I class. 20 in x 24 in. Spring 2023.
Surreal Collage composed of only my own photographs and patterns created with digital computer graphics application. 24 in x 36 in. Spring 2022.
Digital Works
Digital surreal collage composed entirely of photographs of important components from my life. Made with Adobe Photoshop. 24" x 36" Spring 2022.
Digital collage created in Adobe Painter. Depicts a colorful butterfly surrounded by an electronic-like pattern. Spring 2022.
A digital illustration made in Adobe Painter. Spring 2022.
Pop art inspired digital collage made in Adobe Illustrator. Spring 2022.
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Installations
What Do You See?
Undergraduate Fine Arts Thesis show: The Mess I Leave Behind
Mixed media installation including acrylic paintings on canvas, digital collage, prints with text. Spring 2024.
One of the most important aspects of art is what we can learn from it. From history to the social sciences, to the STEM field, art is an important tool that can be used to help students understand ideas and opinions beyond their own. The American education system has long been criticized for focusing mainly on U.S. history and failing to include an international perspective, which serves as a detriment to our students. I wanted to combine my interest in political science with my experience working in childhood education by using my passion for art to help broaden the mindsets of students. I plan to continue this project and eventually turn this book into a series; but for this exhibition, I decided to focus on just one country in particular—Greece. Throughout the book, I incorporate memories from my study abroad experience in Greece. Thus, I am documenting one of the most influential aspects of my time at Loyola Marymount University. Using my photo documentation of the trip along with the extensive knowledge I gained, I created this book to share what I had learned. My work aims to inspire future generations to look beyond their own borders and embrace the differences found abroad.
The Right Fit
Mixed media installation; including chicken wire, ribbon, synthetic flowers, fishing wire, hot glue. Spring 2024.
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No one expects to lose their childlike selves and active personalities, but it happens to everyone whether or not we admit it. The purpose of this installation piece was to create an interactive work that expresses a part of my identity--my worldview. I designed this dress to represent the way that I want to see the world; the dress is a symbol of my girlhood and the optimism I had despite the challenges that came with growing up.
While this was my first time sculpting with chicken wire, I found it to be the perfect material to create a physical feeling of discomfort to represent the physical and mental sensations of growing pains. I intentionally used fake flowers so the flowers keep their vibrancy just as I hope to hold onto mine. The ribbons, however, reference a common piece of many girls' youth, including my own. Viewers can play dress up with this piece and physically try the dress on, connecting them back to their childhoods and finding that right fit.