Hello! It’s me Sam!
So, back in 2012, I decided to paint a cow for my friend's birthday. Little did I know, that much loved cow would kick start my journey as a professional artist.
Before creativity stole the spotlight, I was in the corporate trenches, steering the youth development programmes as Head of Business for The Prince’s Trust, strategising as Head of Volunteering at The Royal Mencap Society, and donning the hat of Regional Director at Beanstalk Literacy Charity. But then, the allure of creativity swept me off my feet and here I am, painting my own vibrant path.
From spinning tales with my artwork to diving into cool projects like illustrating and documenting Tewkesbury's social history with an epic 8-meter embroidery (thanks to 8,000 awesome locals in collaboration with artist Jo Teague and producer Meg Dunford), I've been on quite the creative adventure. Whether it's whipping up illustrations for picture books, crafting personalised commissions that tell family stories, or teaming up with schools and corporates for some artistic magic—my mission is always about making creativity a way of life.
My studio is based in the village of Twyning in Gloucestershire, where I write, paint, draw, make and teach. Lots of folk come to my painting workshops and I love to displace them from the everyday responsibilities and obligations of life as they step inside my studio. “Inside the Studio” is my online community of artists who take on monthly creative projects with me and we cheer each others creativity onto the next stage with support and feedback.
But now, a quick peek into my journey so far:
Awards:
BA (Hons) Illustration - First Class Honours (2024)
Women in Business Finalist (2014)
Bronze & Silver Display Awards at Three Counties (2013, 2014)
Best in Show at Winter Fair (2016)
South West Rural Awards Creative Business Winner (2021-22)
University of Worcester Academic Scholarship (2022) (2023)
Ombersley Conservation Trust Scholarship (2023)
Publications:
Featured in Art Business Today (2015)
Licensed with Distinkt Cards (2015)
Contributor to the “Brand Heroes” book (2018)
Featured in Write magazine (2019)
Exhibitions:
Animal Art Fair (South Bank, 2012)
Brewery Arts Group Show (Stroud, 2015)
Creature Kind (The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury, 2016)
The British Gallery (Norfolk, 2017)
Park Gallery (Cheltenham, 2017)
Tattersett Group Show (44AD Bath, 2019)
Open Studios (Tewkesbury, 2021)
Stitch Story (Tewkesbury, 2022)
Illustration Group Exhibition (Worcester 2023)
Ironbridge Printmakers Exhibition (Shropshire 2023)
CMYK Print Festival (Hereford 2023)
Corporate and Community Projects:
Soho Coffee Co. (Pop-up workshops)
Capital One (Staff Development days)
National Union of Farmers (Staff Wellbeing and Creativity Programme)
Young Farmers (Creative Wellbeing workshops)
Feel Good Festival (Creative Wellbeing)
Tewkesbury Culture Network (Stitch Story Embroidery)
Northway Infant School an Playgroup (Creative Collaborations)
Hay Festival (Sea Change workshop)
Hive Library (Sea Change workshop)
Northway Parish Council (Bespoke commission)
The Urban Fox Bar (Pop-up workshops)
Retail Partners:
Labels Outlet (Ross on Wye)
Tewkesbury Cards & Gifts (Tewkesbury)
So, that's a bit about me and my colourful journey so far. Ready for more?
