Samantha Sannella is a Canadian painter, poet, architect, and designer. She creates stunning artworks and poetry that reveal both emotional states and insights about life and the world. Samantha's current gallery exhibition at the Clark Centre for the Arts (January 3 to 30, 2024) “Rabbit // Pause” explores how an interspecies relationship can be a mirror for the self and a way of living mindfully, authentically, and sustainably in the present and future.
Samantha welcome to Moonflower Art!
How long have you been painting?
I have been painting since I was a child and many of my core classes in undergraduate school were in art, however, during my time building my career in architecture and design and as a mom to two sons, art took the back burner. During the pandemic, one of my friends inspired me to create art every day and post on Facebook. I started with watercolours. Over two years, I created over 600 small watercolour paintings. This past year, I painted mostly large-scale acrylics and almost solely rabbits.
What is it about the mediums of watercolour and acrylic that make them so enjoyable to work with?
The fluidity of watercolour makes it very unpredictable. Sometimes the results are surprising, and this presents unique challenges. A lot of folks think that it is unforgiving, but I don’t find that. For me, it is easier to believe that watercolour is a two-way conversation. In acrylic, I love that you can create an endless array of bold colours. Colour equals happiness.
Your current show at the Clark Centre for the Arts in Scarborough, Ontario features a rather remarkable body of work with rabbits at the centre of this work. What is it about rabbits that draws you in?
Rabbits are fragile survivors. You can scare one to death quite easily, but they can see almost 360 degrees due to their eye placement. Their speed is remarkable - they can dodge the claws of a hawk yet when you hold one in your arms, you can feel how precarious their life is. And of course, they are prolific and have voracious appetites. Most vegetable gardeners have a love/hate relationship with them. This push/pull of opposing ideas presented in a precious creature has captured my imagination my entire life. And – the sneaky side eye – I could paint it every day!
You are also a wonderful poet! How did poetry and painting merge?
The two of them are peanut butter and jelly. I have done both my entire life and it’s hard to create one without the other. Sometimes the painting comes first, sometimes the poem – but 98% of the time, they emerge together. I could paint and write every day and never tire of either.
Inspiration is mystical. It comes at me like fireflies in the night or a winter meteor shower – unexpected. I hear a word, see a colour, notice a flower and feel an unquenchable need to convey it in my own way. There is a volcano inside me – with words, images and colours just waiting to erupt.
Many artists say that their medium provides clarity and healing. How has poetry and art healed you?
Art is my therapy and my meditation. Over my lifetime, during my darkest moments – such as my near-death car accident – it was my lifeline. Other times, when I struggled to find my voice, it helped me clarify my thoughts and feelings. It is also the most ‘me’ that anyone can know. The act of creating is powerful beyond belief – and the result allows others to see inside my soul.
Describe your creative journey? When does inspiration usually take hold?
Inspiration is mystical. It comes at me like fireflies in the night or a winter meteor shower – unexpected. I hear a word, see a colour, notice a flower and feel an unquenchable need to convey it in my own way. There is a volcano inside me – with words, image and colours just waiting to erupt.
Any upcoming work that we can look forward to?
I am starting a new series this year – entitled the ‘Rabbit Foot’ – so stay tuned! I would be honoured if you would add me on Instagram @ SamSSannella or follow me on Facebook and Linked In.
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