Samantha Paris Estes is a versatile art director, graphic designer, and fine artist with 20 years of experience. She was born in Syracuse N.Y. and currently lives in Boston, MA. Samantha has studied at The Metropolitan School of the Arts in Syracuse, N.Y. and has a BS in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
How did you get into art?
I have been an artist ever since I can remember and have always had a deep connection, and love, for art. When I was a child, I remember my Mom bringing me to the Metropolitan School of Arts in my hometown of Syracuse, N.Y. I was complaining because it was Summer, and I didn’t want to go to an art class. When I walked into the building, art was everywhere and I was speechless and in complete and utter awe. My Mom laughed at my reaction and immediately realized she had brought me to the right place. Art was just something that was very natural for me and I knew at a very young age I wanted to be an artist. For the past 20 years I have been a multi-talented artist. I have worked in both graphic design and abstract art.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My style is abstract expressionism and I use texture, or movement, in my pieces. I believe my work is to create a connection with others. When someone is drawn to my art, they feel emotion, calmness or they relate in some way where it becomes meaningful to them. I once had someone tell me my art was deep and that I was saying so much through my work. That connection between us as humans is what the world is made of. If I can bring joy to others with my art then I’m honored.
How do you go about developing your work?
I’m an Art Director, in addition to my fine art, and work on various channels of print and digital design. I often may have a concept or technique I want to implement during a piece's creation. However, I often let the work happen organically. Painting for me is a meditative release. I feel my art is my freedom away from the confinements of corporate branding guidelines and target markets. I believe being both a fine artist, and art director, gives me a unique perspective on both my design work and my paintings.
Who or what influences you?
Everything from travel, music, moments of life, art shows, other artists that create any kind of art or design. It just might be an idea that pops into my head. I often get ideas when I’m designing something or when I’m painting something.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
I have so many ideas. Right now I’m working on smaller pieces about 12x12 that resemble a larger piece. I also have a minimalist series of large work with lots of texture. I’m also playing with mixed media and will take that further to finally cross both graphic design with fine art.
