38 Years of Teaching Art

 

SAMI DAVIDSON

 

Born in Brooklyn,New York and raised during the 1960s I was inspired by the rich tapestry of artists and music that surrounded me. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe were my early influences.
This led me to pursuing a career in art and two art degrees.

Throughout my art journey, I explored various mediums, from clay and the potters wheel and stained glass to collage and painting. I also became involved in various creative businesses and ventures. I dedicated over three decades to teaching art to  k-9 in Florida and New York City. My sons were involved in modeling in South Beach and I wrote and published a book about child modeling called “ Big Bucks, Little Kids.” and I also owned a children’s Shoelace Company called “Sassy Laces”.  Ultimately, I found my true calling and started painting large, colorful, abstract compositions.

Today in South Florida, I’m deeply involved in the art scene where my art has garnered accolades and awards. My abstracts have been featured in publications like Art Folio for consecutive years earning reputation from esteemed gallery owners, and museum curators.

 

 

 

My art is a celebration of color, energy and emotion influenced by the cultural landscape of my life. I am inspired by our magnificent Florida sunsets, the luscious colors of the flowers in my garden, and the translucent turquoise of the ocean. I want to immerse myself in these colors and create beautiful, joyful paintings.

For me, creating a painting has always been an exciting and unpredictable adventure. As a non-objective abstract artist I work intuitively. Creation comes from within. My process is one of impulsive and sometimes compulsive experimentation. I begin my paintings with random bursts of bright colors, then I  apply layers of opaque and transparent hues, gestural marks, handmade papers, drips, stamps, and stencils. A final image gradually emerges. This results in a record of the work I’ve created.  I hope it will evoke an emotional and pleasurable response in the viewer.

“Love, Laugh, Paint, Dance”

 

 

The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit of the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them, while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!

For more information on these featured artworks email Sami at  [email protected]

 

Let’s start with your story, we would like to know how your journey has been so far and hear how you got started. 
I always loved to create. When I applied to college as an art major, I wanted to be a graphic designer.  I graduated with a degree in graphic arts intending to go into the advertising field.  I spent two summers as an apprentice at Grey Advertising,a major advertising agency in Manhattan.  Now, you would call that an internship, but then, I was basically a gofer.  I worked for an art director and when he needed something, he would send me out to get it, and I would also answer phones and do all the things that needed to be done around the agency. I realized that all the graphic design jobs were being done by men and the women in the agency were their secretaries. There were no creative jobs available at that time for women. This was the 1960’s. I felt that it would be a very difficult start a career in advertising at that time, so I decided to pursue a career in teaching.
I ended up teaching art in elementary and middle school for
38 years and loving every minute of it.

What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon?
During the pandemic I put off traveling and when it was finally over my two sons took me on an amazing adventure to London and Paris for my birthday. My best friend went along with us, and we had a fantastic time.

What does your art future hold for you?
In the future, I intend to continue painting my large abstracts and also explore new techniques. I would like to incorporate more collage into my art. I want to take some painting workshops and become more involved in exhibitions and the local art community.

Artists are aways bombarded by how great it is to pursue their passion etc., but we know from a lot of people that it is not always that easy. Overall, would you say things have gotten better for you as an artist in South Florida?
As I’ve become more involved in the local arts scene, I’ve had many more opportunities to show my work and to participate in various exhibitions. There are so many art organizations in this area now and becoming involved in them gives you many opportunities that were not available 10 years ago. Social media, Facebook and Instagram are also wonderful ways to connect with people and get your work out there.

As you know I am impressed with your work, tell our readers more for example. What are you most proud of, and what sets you apart from others?
My abstracts are large and colorful, and they’ve garnered many accolades from friends and other artists. After my trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny France, I started painting large abstract florals and I’ve been successful selling them.

Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
. Currently my work can be seen in four shows. I have a large abstract at the Easton Art Gallery in Delray. I have another abstract on display at the BRIC in Boca Raton. I also have two painting at Hotspots Gallery in Wilton Manors and another one at the BACA in Pompano.

How are you giving back to your community?
. I volunteer at Best Foot Forward which is a wonderful nonprofit agency that offers programs for foster care youth to provide the opportunity for academic success. It implements several programs aimed at specific age group and each program provides guidance and support for children through a team-oriented approach

Is there anyone in particular you would like to mention, mentors, etc.?
I’ve taken art classes at Old School Square, and the Boca Museum Art School and I have had some wonderful teachers there who have taught and inspired me. They are Sherry O’Neill, Sally Cooper and Eydy Lampisona Myers.

Let’s end with a fun fact about you.

 One fun fact about me is that I’ve had the privilege and honor to meet three presidents and one first lady. They are president: President Bush, President Obama, and President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.

[email protected]
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Website samidavidsonart.com