Samantha Kinsey

Year of birth: 2003
Your education: MiraCosta Community College
Describe your art in three words: vibrant, innocent and imaginative
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Samantha Kinsey | Tropical seasons

Can you tell us about your journey as an abstract and surrealism artist? What initially inspired you to explore these styles?

As an artist I’m constantly learning and trying out new techniques. My abstract pieces don’t always have the same style because I don’t like sticking to one style.
The internet inspired me to explore both surrealism and abstract. I stumbled upon pictures of surreal paintings online and it made me want to try it out because of its dream like aesthetic that makes me want to jump into the painting. I love doing abstract pieces because I don’t have to overthink about the placement of figures or anything. I just go with the flow and see what the end result will be. My artwork is Inspired by music, my dreams and surroundings. I try not to doubt myself when comparing my artwork to others who are in a higher artistic level than me. I have to remind myself that it’s okay even if my artwork may not look professional because every artist is different and I’m still young so I’m still artistically growing.

In “Flying Free,” the idea of freedom seems to emerge. Could you elaborate on how freedom is represented in your artwork?

Freedom is represented by the butterflies choosing to go their on ways – their paths. “Flying Free” is represented by the freedom to choose either one or multiple paths in life whether that may be in education, career, lifestyle, or maybe something simple like a different routine. Our paths are often chosen by our parents or teachers and we feel restricted to stay on one path when we don’t remind ourselves that we don’t have to stay on one path forever and we are free to go into whatever direction we are drawn to. Having the freedom to go to different paths helps us grow mentally, psychically, and spiritually.

Your piece “Flying Free” incorporates mixed media such as magazine clippings and stickers. How do you choose your materials, and what do they bring to the meaning of the work?

I choose my materials based on the colors I’m going to use in my artwork. I would use fabric pieces in dark colored artworks and magazine clippings, paper, stickers in lighter colored pieces. These materials bring uniqueness and originality to the artwork.

Samantha Kinsey | Flying free

How does living in Oceanside, California, influence your work? Do you feel your surroundings play a role in the themes and feelings expressed in your art?

My artwork is influenced by the landscapes of the parks and beach in Oceanside. I would take pictures and envision what I can do with it for example, I would take a picture of the beach and may use it in a surreal painting. My surroundings do play a role in my art such as whenever I go on my walks in my neighborhood or in the park ideas will flow to me from seeing butterflies, flowers, wildlife or a sunset.

What message or feeling do you aim to convey through your abstract works?

I usually don’t have a big deep meaning behind my abstract works. People are free to interpret my abstract work however they like. Sometimes an art piece is just nice to look at and bring vibrance into the space.

Do you have a specific process for creating a mixed-media piece? How do you begin and bring all the different elements together?

After I’m done painting or sketching out one part of the artwork, I’ll place the materials on different areas of the canvas to see where it would fit best before gluing it on the artwork. I’ll try to have the materials, such as paper or magazine clippings,blend into the painting so it looks put well together by putting the material in watered down glue and smooth it on the canvas.

What do you find most challenging about working with surrealism and abstraction?

I tend to overthink a lot during the process. Even when I’m doing an abstract piece. I’m a perfectionist and want the artwork to be perfect but there’s always trial and error. When it comes to surrealism I always tend to second guess myself with “is this really surrealism?” And “Am I doing this right?” I try to overcome these challenges but I do end up getting frustrated and taking a break but I then come back with a more relaxed and fresh mindset.