DPW Spotlight Interview: Valorie Sams

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Valorie's painting "Flower on Fire" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Valorie's DPW Gallery Page:

Valorie Sams resides in the beautiful state of New Mexico, pursuing her dream to draw and paint full time.

Flower on Fire
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Valorie's interview.

What did you want to be growing up?

I always wanted to be an artist. I doodled on everything! My notebooks were always full of doodles and sketches.

Unfortunately the high school I attended did not offer art. I think I would have probably gone to art school if I had been motivated by an instructor. I feel it’s so important for young children to be exposed to art in every way possible.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Mostly in high school. I was encouraged to join the school newspaper where I did the cartoon “The Peepo People” for the paper. I really enjoyed that. It’s where I learned all about design, layout and printing. It gave me the beginning skills to become a graphic artist which is what I became later on.

Past Their Prime
(click to view)

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

Yes, like most artists we all have dry periods. I stuck with art for many years through the 80’s and 90’s but stopped for awhile after that. I picked art back up about ten years ago when I came down with a chronic illness. It served as therapy for me and helped me cope with my illness.

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards? Which ones don’t appeal?

My chosen medium to start was color pencil. I took an illustration class in college and fell in love with them. I then tried my skills at pastels and later watercolor. I tried oils and acrylics but did not care for either of those.

Southwest Springtime
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

I am not really sure I have a style. I just paint or draw what moves me at the time.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

Georgia O’Keefe. She was a free spirit who forged her way despite the restrictions of being a female artist of her time. Her work is beautiful and free spirited. You can feel her appreciation for the beauty of the various objects that she paints.

Margaret's Stash
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Take the risk and go to SCAD instead of the other path I chose.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I have never had much problem in that department. I don’t do art on demand; it has to come as inspiration. That kind of pressure does not produce good art.

Road Runner
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I try to remember that art is an expression of one’s self and it should be fun.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I don’t really have any goals when it comes to art. I think it should be fun and spontaneous and if someone likes it all the better!

Colorful Peppers
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success is being happy to be in a good place with my art and enjoying the process.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

When I won “Best of Show” with my color pencil drawing “Silver Chaos” in the Explore this! Colored Pencil Society of America’s Exhibition.

Silver Chaos
(click to view)

Thanks, Valorie!

© 2021 Sophie Marine