Jennifer Sampson Interview
Jennifer Sampson | @scissorsandstories
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.
I come from people who always look for the joke and I’m grateful for that. I was an actor, director, professor, playwright and then, WHAM, chronic illness closed every door. I’ve been sick with chronic active mononucleosis for three years now and I’ve reconstructed my life. My once expansive goals, are now tightly focused on being a joyful and present mom to my eight-year old, a fun date to my husband of 15 years, and a loving daughter and friend. If I can make a collage in the day, I count it a blessing.
“If I can make a collage in the day, I count it a blessing.”
How did you get your start as an artist?
In 2018, It was a year into my illness when I realized I had to create something. I hadn’t told a story on stage in so long and so I began to cut and paste. It was exhilarating to see characters and situations develop through these simple images and I had no intention of showing them to anyone. Making analog collages helped me cope and even brought me some much needed joy.
What do you love most about what you do?
Well, I’m originally from Oklahoma and one is never supposed to brag, so I’ll say, I enjoy it most when a piece sparks a reaction in the viewer- when a piece comes together in just the right way to evoke sorrow, pain, or laughter. If the images and title are just right, I can feel it and I enjoy it.
“In 2018, It was a year into my illness when I realized I had to create something. I hadn’t told a story on stage in so long and so I began to cut and paste. It was exhilarating to see characters and situations develop through these simple images and I had no intention of showing them to anyone. Making analog collages helped me cope and even brought me some much needed joy.”
What do you find the most challenging?
The days when I’m dying to be at my art table but my body won’t let me. I also find it challenging to excise the “am I good enough” thoughts; the “will people like this” thoughts. Those thoughts arrive and are quickly invited to leave.
When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?
I actually don’t need the inspiration. The sorrow that comes from a consistent illness is abated at my art table. I make whatever I enjoy in the moment with materials that are readily available and then I share the image or not. It’s purely a time for me to remember that I am still a storyteller and a creator of images that are shared with an audience.
Who is someone you admire most and why?
Laurie Kanyer is a goddess. She found my work and approached me about underwriting a book. I was shocked but eight months later, we had a book! She has since become a dear friend. Kellette Elliott, Petra Zehner, Rhed Fawell, and- oh, there’s this lovely artist, Elyse Jokinen, and several other artists inspire me daily. I think of my Instagram art scroll as my personal stroll through a beautiful art gallery.
Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.
It’s not unusual, but I love playing pretend with my eight year old. I am the little sister to her big sister and she gives me great advice for growing up.
I’ll also admit it, I love juicy documentaries about scandals.
Anything weird on your bucket list?
Ha! Before getting sick, my bucket list was long! Now, it’s more of post-it note. I’d like to live long enough to see my daughter become a young woman and help her navigate the world in any way I can. I’d also like to learn to surf, be a trapeze artist, swim with whales, live in Paris, and direct all of Sarah Ruhl’s plays, but these dreams will have to take the form of collage.
Top three songs you keep on repeat?
Anything by Lyle Lovett
Anything by Future of Forestry
And, I’m always in the mood for classic Indigo Girls, Patty Griffin, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Kings of Leon and on and on
Podcast you can’t get enough of?
Radiolab, This American Life, The One You Feed, The Moth and any juicy scandal story.
How do you fuel for the day?
Prayer and silent meditation, 3 cups of black tea and a dance around the kitchen with my daughter.
Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!
Well, in the present, I have a book available on Amazon! Thanks to the Doug + Laurie Kanyer Art Collection, CUT IT OUT: Theatrical Set Collages is ready for your ordering pleasure. It’s a short compilation solely of the Theatrical Set Collages which are all 3D, impermanent, and evoke a story. Otherwise, I love hearing from people in the comments or DMs. Stop in and say hello, that would make my day.
Shameless Plug: https://www.amazon.com/Cut-Out-Jennifer-Sampson/dp/1715454545/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=CUT+IT+OUT&qid=1616203245&sr=8-7
Jennifer Sampson | @scissorsandstories
