ABOUT: Sames

Let's start off with a beer. What beverage would you say is your favorite?
I like many. Not having one favorite at the moment.

Where did your journey in art began?
The journey began since I can remember things in my life. As a kid I already drew a lot. Part of my art journey is not only making stuff myself, but also getting inspired from my surroundings. I remember when I was a little kid, I loved looking at women faces. Sometimes I could stare at someone for an awkward long time.. but I was a kid so they did not mind. I remember that I wanted to capture the beauty of those women in some kind of way. 

From digitals to sketches, from canvasses to murals. What do you like the most?
I like the combination of all. I feel every medium needs a different kind of art. Sometimes I try the same design digital, in a sketch, on a canvas and on a mural. Then I realize some things are just meant for one medium. 

The sketching gives me freedom, exploration. The digital drawing gives me critical thoughts, perfectionism. Painting on canvasses gives me a feeling of validation. Doing murals brings me joy. Some kind of happiness maybe. 

How did you end up in doing murals?
I knew someone who did murals, and I joined one time to try something out as well. Using a spray can is very different then a pencil, so the vision I had about what I wanted to make on the wall, was completely different to the result. Not in a good way. But I had fun. This was about 1,5 year ago. I am still trying to make my vision reality on the wall. It is a journey.

I followed your trip to Indonesia where you painted on the most exotic places. How was your experience painting there and how is the art scene there?
Nice to hear and thank you for following that. The most important reason I was going to travel, was because I wanted see and make art in a different country. Indonesia was a random pick, but it turned out to be the best experience. For me, doing murals is about having fun, meeting other art enthusiasts, and share experiences together. Indonesia was the best for it. The people there are very welcoming, generous and most of all kind. although we live in a very different world, what can also be explained as unfair, I only got to see their smiles. I met some great artists, who make art for the community. Most people are supporting art in every way. Other then this, Indonesia is a beautiful country. To paint on places where you feel like being in a painting already, gives the whole experience just a spark. 

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your artistic skills?
It is everything in my life that inspired me to become an artist. It was not a choice, it was, and still is, a road I can’t leave. This is because it brings me joy. And that is what keeps me alive. The feeling of creating something is great. Besides being an artist, I am also a youth care worker. This is what I went to school for. I have more things I want to learn and become in life, but next to it I will keep making art. That will of course influence everything I do. The development of artistic skills comes automatically when you do something a lot. 

If you would have to describe your artistic style, what would you say?
Right now, I would say my style is creating strong and beautiful women. I don’t now where it will go in the future.

Can you share some of your favorite or most significant artistic projects or pieces you've created?
The first picture is a mural in Indonesia, Jogjakarta. I painted together with Getlups, he makes these beautiful birds on the streets.

The second one is also a mural in Indonesia, Malang. I painted in the colorful city, Jodipan. This is a small city, where every house is painted in a different color. I painted a mural, inspired by a tale from Malang, on someone's house. 

The third one is a mural in Amsterdam. In total the wall was 40 meters, where I painted together with 8 artists. It was a colorful and fun day.

The last one is a painting that is now sold. I have worked on this painting for months on and off. It is about embracing every part of yourself.

What brands and tools do you use for your artwork and what do you recommend?
I don’t have an answer to this question. It really depends on what is available. Products that are more expensive are helpful, but I believe you can do things with any kind of product. 

What do you like the most about what you do ?
That it gives me joy. I already said it before, and it is a simple answer, but I don’t know anything more true to say. Why this gives me so much joy, I don’t exactly know. 

Are there any artist you look up to now or in your earlier stage as an artist?
Banksy. And many others. So many, it would be too long for this interview. The list of people I am following on Instagram all inspire me. For this reason I like Instagram :)

Everyone has their way of working. How do you approach the creative process, from conceptualization to completion?
There is not one way how I do the process. But what helped me in the beginning is start with sketching, 9/10 sketches end up in the trash. When I have a sketch that I like, I start digitize it to perfect it. Then I think what I want to do with it: making a mural out of it, making a canvas out of it, or maybe nothing. A lot of times I also begin a mural or canvas out of nothing, or only from a rough sketch. 

Life can sometimes take over the things you love. How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks or challenges in your work?
The thing I love (making art) is helping me to overcome blocks or challenges in life. 

Not every art, is for everyone. How do you handle critiques or feedback on your work, both positive and negative?
This is also a journey. In the past negative critiques did more with me then it does now. But still, if someone has something negative to say, I would like to hear it and know why. I have to say that sometimes it did really help me to develop myself more. In the end I make things because I like them, but I can’t help the feeling that I want others to like it too. It is very normal that it is not for everyone, but even if it is for a few, it gives me a good feeling. 

The most thing I like to see in an artist is progress. What are your long-term artistic goals, and where do you see your art career heading in the future?
My goal is to get inspired more, and develop more. I would like to do more murals, maybe bigger ones in the future. I like the fact that I don’t know where the ‘art career’ will go. I will leave it open, because that gives me a feeling of freedom. 

Some artists feel they have a deeper meaning regarding their artwork. Does your art have a deeper meaning to you?
There is a deeper meaning, but there also isn’t a deeper meaning. Mostly, it is about doing what you like. I want people to be inspired by something, to make their own thoughts and stories with it, or maybe to think nothing. 

Do you have anything else you would like to share with the world?
Do what you like!