Samantha Da Silva: Reflecting on One Year with Gallery MAR

July 13th, 2024

Samantha Da Silva painting on location outside of the Great Salt Lake

As we step into the ethereal world of Samantha Da Silva’s artistry, we find ourselves amidst a kaleidoscope of peaceful colors, expressive textures, and natural inspirations. Although the artist herself has moved over 40 times in her life, she now calls our beautiful Park City area home and her work has found its home here at Gallery MAR. This summer marks the artist’s first anniversary with Gallery MAR in a year characterized by artistic growth and exploration.

Over the past year, Da Silva’s representation here Gallery MAR has deepened her sense of place. Embracing organic materials from the picturesque Park City area, she weaves the essence of the mountains into each masterpiece. Not only has the past year deepened her connection to her Park City home, but it has also propelled her on a quest to mine a deeper vein within herself through her work.

Reflecting on her upcoming year anniversary with Gallery MAR, Da Silva looks back on a year filled with warmth, support, and artistic growth where an unwavering encouragement of her authenticity has fostered a thriving environment where her unique voice flourishes.

As she delves deeper into her creative journey, incorporating sound healing and preparing for a Creative Direction Short Course in Paris, Samantha Da Silva invites us to join her in embracing authenticity, passion, and the endless possibilities of self-expression.

Gallery MAR: This summer will mark one year of representation with us at Gallery MAR. Reflecting back on your first year with the gallery, what has stood out most to you?

Samantha Da Silva: Being represented by Gallery MAR this past year has truly been a fulfilling experience. The breathtaking alpine backdrop, the passionate staff, and the enthusiastic collectors have created a warm and supportive environment for my work.

Gallery MAR radiates a sense of happiness, optimism, and joy that is contagious. From the moment I joined forces with the gallery, their “all in” approach was evident. I felt an immediate connection, as if reuniting with old friends.

Beyond providing beautiful homes for my art, the gallery’s support through blog posts, social media features, and an inspiring video showcasing my artistic process has been exceptional and greatly appreciated.

Samantha Da Silva, “Peak Presence,” mixed media, 24″ x 48″

Gallery MAR: We love to hear that! We’re certainly proud to represent your work. What has surprised you the most about the reception your work has received at Gallery MAR?

Samantha Da Silva: The most surprising aspect of the reception my work has received at Gallery MAR has been the unwavering support for my artistic vision. Contrary to my initial apprehensions about compromising my style to cater to MARket demands, the gallery has championed my authenticity from the start.

Gallery MAR has consistently encouraged me to paint what I’m passionate about, emphasizing that staying true to my artistic vision is paramount, regardless of sales trends. This approach fosters a thriving and sustainable creative environment.

“Gallery MAR radiates a sense of happiness, optimism, and joy that is contagious. From the moment I joined forces with the gallery, their “all in” approach was evident. I felt an immediate connection, as if reuniting with old friends.”

– Samantha Da Silva

I’ve been particularly impressed by their eagerness to celebrate my unique voice and individuality as an artist. For instance, I had the wonderful opportunity to hand-paint bespoke UGG boots inspired by my studio footwear last winter.

Moreover, Gallery MAR has supported my community involvement, encouraging me to participate in meaningful events such as a student-teacher exhibition with Boys and Girls Clubs, a fundraiser for Indigenous Fashion Week, and an art show aimed at raising awareness for underserved communities at the Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts.

Samantha Da Silva’s Collector’s Edition Ugg Boots

Gallery MAR: In what ways do you think your work has evolved this past year?

Samantha Da Silva: Over the past year, collaborating with Gallery MAR has inspired me to delve deeper into the alpine theme and color palette. My focus has been on capturing the elusive “chambray blue” in my work—a pursuit that has been both challenging and fulfilling. Furthermore, I’ve endeavored to incorporate the essence of the mountains into my pieces by sourcing organic materials from the surrounding Park City area.

Samantha Da Silva, “Alpine Serenity,” mixed media, 24″ x 48″

Gallery MAR: We know you’re hosting an art workshop this summer. Could you tell our collectors a little about your Fearless Abstract Painting with Metallics workshop in June?

Samantha Da Silva: Certainly! Having taught my “fearless” workshops for over 15 years across various locations like Canada, Costa Rica, Hawaii, France, and the US, I’m thrilled to bring this experience to Utah in collaboration with Workshop SLC.

The Fearless Metallics Workshop has been a crowd favorite, and I’ll be diving deep into techniques for working with metallic paints, powders, and gold leaf. Additionally, I’m excited to introduce sound healing during our opening meditation ceremony on Friday night, aiming to align our creativity with source energy.

“I deeply believe that the energy and emotions we infuse into our artwork resonate with viewers, creating ripples of connection much like a pebble causing concentric circles in a pond. With this understanding, I approach my creative process with mindful intentionality.”

– Samantha Da Silva

As I sense a shift in my teaching journey, indicating that my teaching days may be drawing to a close, I encourage anyone interested in joining one of my workshops to seize this opportunity. The workshop will take place from June 7th to 9th, 2024.

For more information and to register, please visit Workshop SLC. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!

Check out Samantha Da Silva’s upcoming workshop, “Fearless Abstract Painting with Metallics” on our Calendar MAR

Gallery MAR: What are the greatest rewards and challenges when painting with metallics?

Samantha Da Silva: Painting with metallics offers both rewarding and challenging experiences. The allure of metallics lies in their transformative quality—they can add a magical touch to any artwork. However, they can be finicky to work with.

One of the challenges with metallics is their sensitivity to timing and mixing. The wrong combination or timing can either enhance their brilliance or diminish their impact entirely. Another hurdle to overcome is the tendency for metallic pigments to tarnish over time, oxidizing and potentially turning green. It has taken me years of experimentation and learning to master the techniques that yield consistent and beautiful results.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of incorporating metallics into a painting are truly captivating. The artwork takes on a dynamic quality, revealing different facets depending on the lighting and time of day. This ever-changing interaction with light adds a mesmerizing dimension to the painting, making the effort and patience required to work with metallics well worth it.

Samantha Da Silva with a brass singing bowl for sound healing, surrounded by her work

Gallery MAR: As you mentioned, you’ve recently incorporated sound healing into your practice. Could you tell us a little about that and how it contributes to your creative journey?

Samantha Da Silva: I deeply believe that the energy and emotions we infuse into our artwork resonate with viewers, creating ripples of connection much like a pebble causing concentric circles in a pond. With this understanding, I approach my creative process with mindful intentionality.

Incorporating sound healing, such as uplifting music and crystal bowl frequencies, complements this philosophy. These sonic elements help me to attune my mind and spirit, aligning them with positive energies that enhance my creative flow.

“The allure of metallics lies in their transformative quality—they can add a magical touch to any artwork.”

– Samantha Da Silva

Through meditation and biofeedback practices, I’ve cultivated the ability to maintain an alpha state of mind. This heightened state not only promotes improved productivity but also unlocks a reservoir of creativity that feels boundless and unprecedented.

Incorporating sound healing into my creative journey has been transformative, enriching both my artistic expression and my overall well-being. It serves as a harmonious companion to my artwork, creating a synergistic relationship that elevates the entire creative experience.

Samantha Da Silva, “True Home Serenity,” mixed media, 40″ x 60″

Gallery MAR: What are you currently most excited about in the studio?

Samantha Da Silva: I’m currently buzzing with excitement about painting outdoors as we transition into spring and summer. There’s something incredibly invigorating about taking my canvases to locations like Antelope Island, the Bonneville Salt Flats, or the Great Salt Lake.

Painting on location allows me to capture the essence of these places directly onto the canvas. While my paintings may be abstract in nature, they resonate with a tangible sense of place. By immersing myself in these environments, I’m able to incorporate elements from my surroundings—iron-rich Utah dirt, salt from the Great Salt Lake and foraged sawdust—into my work.

This approach not only adds depth and authenticity to my paintings but also creates a connection between the artwork and the landscapes that inspire them.

Samantha Da Silva’s work, “Wise Power” hanging in Gallery MAR, alongside the work of Hunt Slonem

Gallery MAR: What else would you like for our collectors to know?

Samantha Da Silva: I’m excited to share that this summer, I’ll be embarking on a Creative Direction Short Course at the International Fashion Institute in Paris, France. My motivation behind this endeavor is to refine my storytelling abilities within my artwork by delving into fashion photography and styling. I’m eager to explore how these new skills will weave into the fabric of my creative expression.

In this ongoing journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution, I believe we all have the opportunity to align with our deepest truths and aspirations. By embracing our passions and honoring our authentic selves, we not only experience personal healing but also become catalysts for transformation in the world around us.

Find the latest work from Samantha Da Silva on our website or in the gallery today. Plus, we hope you’ll join us in the gallery to meet Da Silva in person at this summer’s Gallery Stroll on Friday, July 26th from 6-9pm.

Written and interviewed by Veronica Vale