Get comfortable and pour yourself a cuppa, because we're about to introduce you to a Brisbane-based artist that will have your heart blooming with joy! We are absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on the fabulous Sam Matthews, a gorgeous local artist whose vibrant floral artworks will transport you to a world bursting with colour. Sam's intuitive creations are a testament to her love for nature and her infectious zest for life.
During one of our recent shoots, we had the absolute pleasure of getting a close-up, private viewing of Sam's pieces as she strutted her stuff and modelled our jewels. Keep reading to see all the stunning pics, and to learn more about Sam and how she draws inspiration.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
SM: I am Brisbane-based emerging artist Sam Matthews who intuitively creates vivid, joyful floral artworks painted in acrylic. My artworks equally celebrate my love of nature and vibrant colour.
I studied a Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University and after graduating I had a very fulfilling career as a graphic artist and worked in the television industry for most of my adult life, but I'm a passionate painter at heart.
Currently I paint any spare moment I can, with a home studio permanently set up, I can paint for 5 minutes or 5 hours in between being a mum to two active boys and working part-time.
RO: Use three words to describe your art?
SM: Joyful, colourful, floral
RO: What was the first piece of artwork you connected with? How did it make you feel?
SM: I’ve been painting now for as long as I can remember, but I think a few of my pieces from last year while preparing for my first solo show at Brookfield Wild Canary. I really figured out how to translate some of the visuals I had in my head to canvas, it was really exciting because that hasn’t always been successful for me. Then the response was so positive, I really trust my intuitive process so much more now.
RO: As an artist, have you ever struggled with inspiration and creativity? If so, how did you get that spark back?
SM: This is one thing I’ve never struggled with, I have endless ideas and the visual filing cabinet in my head is overflowing! But I do get stuck with completing a piece of artwork or I can be guilty of overworking a piece. I’ve learnt to go with the creative flow when it hits, and to step back from an artwork and take a break. Fresh eyes can really save your sanity! 
RO: Wow, that's so wonderful to hear! Is there a particular impression or feeling that you want to leave people with when they view your pieces?
SM: I paint for the simple joy of the whole creative process, I love when the viewer feels a sense of joy from my work. It sparks a connection. When someone buys a piece of my artwork and then contacts me to share how the piece makes them feel, it’s pretty special.
RO: We absolutely love that. We also love talented and amazing women (like yourself) here at RO. What’s the best and worst thing about working for yourself?
SM: The worst for me at the moment is “lack of time”…in particular now that I am creating larger artworks. I love weekends when I can spend all day in my studio – it’s blissful. It’s the BEST feeling to be able to call myself an artist, the more energy I put in, the more I get back. Working for myself is what makes me feel completely free.
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
SM: From all the travelling I’ve been lucky enough to do over the years, my all-time favourite travel experience was in 2007 on Safari in Kenya. Magical!
RO: That sounds incredible! As an artist who is skilled in both digital and traditional art, do you have a preference for either or do you use both a physical and digital medium during your creative process?
SM: You know there was a time where I would consider layout or adjustments for an artwork by taking a photo and playing with it in a graphics program. But I haven’t done that for such a long time now. For right now I would say I am completely in love with my paint brushes ☺
And we'd say your paint brushes love you right back, Sam! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us.
We hope you have enjoyed your glimpse into Sam's world, while learning more about the artist behind the vivid and heart-capturing floral artworks. Sam infuses her paintings with an irresistible sense of joy and wonder. Whether you're captivated by her bold use of colour or find solace in the delicate petals of her floral compositions, there's no denying the emotional connection she sparks in each viewer. #celebratingamazingwomen
CONNECT WITH SAM:
Instagram - @sammatthews_artist
Facebook - @SAM.Matthews.artist
Sam has upcoming shows in Brisbane and Sydney this year, and is planning for 2 solo shows in 2024. Keep an eye on her socials for dates and venues!
