ARTIST STATEMENT
I am an artist living with Bipolar Disorder. I find it difficult to clearly identify what I am feeling. My paintings never have a blueprint before I begin, I follow my intuition and feel out the piece over time. A common theme among my finished pieces is the combined use of surrealism and realism to create a dreamlike image. Surrealism of environment and color choice, realism of proportions and portraits- I create a dissociative and intimate piece. I anchor the image to reality with items of furniture or hands and bodies. I display mental anguish through physical tension in pulling skin and bodies.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sammi is originally from Boston, based out of Chicago for the last two years. She works mainly in oil paint, while incorporating other mediums. Teaching art to preschoolers has helped her shape her approach on the creative process from the young child’s minds that are untainted by the world.
Sammi uses surrealism in color choices and environments while practicing realism in proportions of bodies and portraits to create a dissociative and dream-like work. She works by intuition and lets the painting unfold based on emotional response.
Being a queer artist, they like to include themes of intimacy and queer love and struggle.
© Sammi Ohlson