Js Illustrations-An Interview with Jodi Sam

Treasure Seeker Colleen met Jodi Sam a few weeks ago and sent me some of her beautiful cards. We thought her name should be in lights and she graciously granted me an interview! Jodi has been creating art from a young age. She was a winning participant of the Emily Carr's British Columbia Young Artist's Exhibition at the age of twelve. Today Jodi designs, paints and fashion styles. Visit her website at jodisam.com.

A: You were a participant at Emily Carr's Young Artist's Exhibition. Did you also go there after graduating high school?

JS: Surprisingly, I went to the University of British Columbia graduating from high school and studied International Relations there. I did, however take a couple of art history classes during university at UBC as well as at Sophia University in Tokyo and really enjoy them. Well, maybe not while I was studying for exams, but afterwards.

A: Your work is currently on display in the Chicago Children's Museum. Can you talk a bit about that project?

JS: That piece was of some lotus flowers blooming in the moonlight. I was twelve then and at the time because of my father’s influence, lotuses were a favourite subject of mine that I painted in various styles, all of which were done in watercolour. Today, lotuses are still one of my favourite flowers.

A: What have been your inspirations for your artwork and styling?

JS: It’s going to sound so cheesy when I say it, but with all honestly, everything around me is my inspiration: from the various art galleries I visited, to the conversations I have with my friends, the music I listen to and even the food I eat. For example, that pretty pastel pink colour that you only can find when you mix a small dab fresh strawberry sauce with real whipped cream. That colour is as delicious as the actual dessert itself!

A: What are your current projects?

JS: This year I have been concentrating on painting blotting line drawings, the ones you see here and on my website jodisam.com. Am constantly looking for new inspirations, remembering past experiences, and thinking of what my characters will do next. You see, my paintings are heavily character based and feature reoccurring characters that I named after my friends daughters and sons. So, I would often think to myself what would Urara-chan like to do next or how about Hikaru-kun? Ride a bicycle, fly over the moon, bake a cake, go on a trip……the list is endless, and so will be painting for a very very long time!

A: Where can we buy your beautiful cards?

JS: You can purchase my cards as well as original paintings directly through me via email at jodisam@gmail.com or at some craft shows and festivals I attend, like Blim (though not every month) and Powell Street Festival. However, am working on a Etsy page and that should be ready later this year and will let Clothes Line Fines be the first to know when it’s up and running!