Sam Hauser shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sam, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Running a creative business is really interesting because it requires me to use two completely different sides of myself. Authenticity in my studio is really important to me and wandering is a huge part of that. I have to be open to new avenues, following side quests, and circling back to old ideas. In the studio, the less restrictions the better. The other side of the business is all about accomplishing goals, finding new places to show my work as well as new collectors. That side of the work does require me to rein in my wild horses and “walk the path” – so to speak.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As the owner of Sam Hauser Art & Design, I am a painter and fiber artist that works in an expressionist style to create unique pieces filled with symbolism, rich color, and mystery. My work pulses with energy and movement and is designed to activate the space it lives in. I combine traditionally rendered animals, figures, and botanicals with color abstraction to create dynamic collector pieces in a style all my own. With the state of the economy and many galleries closing, I have shifted my focus to directly finding my audience through art markets, teaching opportunities, and social platforms. You’ll find my at many art fairs in the warm seasons!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was quiet, pondering – always wandering and observing. I was a free climber, a wild flower picker, and the kid who would always be reading in the nook of a tree. I sought the first star of the night while also being up before the first rays of the sun. I’m sure that drove my mom crazy but I try to hold onto that feeling of being young, wild, and free.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Before the covid lockdown, I was in my twenties and worked in hospitality and events to support my art practice. When that disappeared I thought, “Well, I guess it’s time to go to grad school like my professors and my mom always wanted me to.” I applied to a couple of great programs in areas I’d love to live and for the first time ever… I didn’t get in. My grades were always exceptional, my recommendations supreme. I had always thought that academically, I get what I want. I was cocky. The universe gave me the lesson I needed. Licking my wounded ego, I started to really think about myself and my psyche. I discovered how unbelievably privileged I had been my entire life. Hard work and past experience wasn’t enough because my spirit wasn’t enough – not yet anyway. I wasn’t putting in the time in my studio that my work needed, nor was I being the champion that it needed. Now, I am motivated to learn about business and marketing continuously, as it changes. I am motivated to paint at least a little every day. Not getting into grad school just might have been the best thing that could have happened to me and for my work that I love so much.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I really believe that the purpose of everyone’s life is to find not only what they love doing, but what they are good at and can share with the world. In my studio, I want to create work that captures my spirit. I want that work to resonate with others and change the way they see their lives in relationship to the environment and objects around them. I want to teach others to do the same no matter how long it takes. If you want to follow my journey, join my newsletter or DM me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Behind the scenes, I am developing an online art school. My dream is that the school offers the same high level, traditional art training that I’ve had but at an affordable price point for anyone in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samhauserart.com
- Instagram: samhauser.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-hauser-71159b88/
- Youtube: @samhauserart
Image Credits
All photos taken by me.
