Statement:
As an artist, Sam specializes in painting and cutting sculptures from salvaged wood. He derives inspiration from the naturally low stakes involved in using free materials. Sam does virtually no planning or sketching for his artwork, preferring to try to harness the energy of a first take. Common themes in his work include: complex physical relationships between people, things on top of other things, things being bitten and eaten, old-time and Irish music community, and mortality. He has been strongly influenced by artists Peter Schumann, Howard Finster, and Gustav Vigeland.