Art is for everyone

A graphic designer in her professional life, Green Bay-based artist Sam Rowe uses her time outside of work to explore a different style of art.

“I’ve always been interested in art and I love storytelling with visuals, but I had gotten away from the art practice once I became a graphic designer,” Rowe said. “One day, I found this watercolor set that my grandmother had given me and it was completely untouched and was like, ‘I think I want to try this.’ I totally just played and I kind of became addicted to that. Day after day, I was just creating new little abstract, playful pieces.”

Her abstract work allows her to experiment with materials and styles she doesn’t often get to in her graphic design role.

“There’s a lot of times I have to do what the client needs and there’s a lot of rules in graphic design, so I needed a creative outlet where I didn’t have to follow any rules and I could be messy, make mistakes and grow by experimenting,” Rowe said. “I think that freedom of not trying to be anything specific and not putting a ton of pressure on my art has really allowed me to express myself in ways that I didn’t even know were possible…. I primarily use watercolors and I’ve been really enjoying iridescent and metallic watercolor — it’s really shiny and glittery. I do abstract art, so anything that I’m feeling that day, I just go to the paper and create without any rules or expectations and see what happens. In that way, I’ve been able to make some really unique pieces and something that I’ve never seen before, which is really cool… I love working with rainbows and all the colors and really bold, bright, beautiful pieces.”
What started as a creative outlet has now turned into a business for Rowe, who now has a business for her art — Samsconsin Art.

“I wasn’t planning on selling my art,” Rowe said. “When I first started, it was more just getting creative and having that outlet that was less strict than what I do on a day-to-day basis. People started connecting with my art and wanting to buy it and make it their own, so I’ve just kind of continued with that and I change up my techniques as I go and see what happens. I think it’s really fun to take the pressure off of trying to be ‘good.’ Art can be anything and just creating is really good for you.”

While creating her art is certainly good for Rowe, she said she hopes her art is also good for others.

“I’ve been trying to use my art to make a difference, whether that’s bringing joy to people through the visuals or I’ve got stickers and greeting cards with my art on them,” Rowe said. “A lot of my higher selling items are messages of mental health — things like ‘Did we take our meds today?’ or ‘Did you drink water?’ and ‘The world needs you.’ I try to be a positive influence with my art… Art is resistance and art is a way to rest and recharge. And I believe that art is for everyone, so that’s why I produce stickers and try to make my art accessible to people from all economic backgrounds. I think art connects us and I think that’s a really important way to use my art. It’s been really affirming whenever I meet someone who appreciates my work and is inspired by it. I just love the connection that it brings.”

And connection has played a huge role in Rowe’s artistic journey, from being a part of the Artisan Residency Program at NWTC’s Artisan and Business Center to taking advantage of area artist events.

“That program was huge for me,” Rowe said. “It was incredible to become a part of the art community in such a real way, making connections and getting feedback and having a support system to lean on… And working with the Art Garage is wonderful. Every Wednesday they have a sketch night, so all kinds of artists — beginners and experienced artists — come in and we all just sketch together. And you don’t have to sketch. I bring my watercolors and paint whatever I’m feeling. It’s just nice to be creative with other people that are being creative, too.”

To other artists in Northeast Wisconsin, whether they’ve got years of experience or they’re just getting started, Rowe recommends taking advantage of local opportunities and getting involved with arts organizations.

“Art is for everyone,” Rowe said. “Get involved at the Art Garage. They do so many programs that are wonderful for the community and not very expensive.

The sketch night is free and it’s every week. In the summer… anyone who considers themselves an artist can go to the Green Bay Botanical Garden on Tuesday evenings and paint in the flowers and within nature… Another group that I recommend is SAGE Green Bay. Their mission is to bring arts to people who are more isolated and address the mental health crisis. They’ve been initiating social prescription and art as a prescription, so it’s free events for people to make things. It doesn’t have to be an advanced art practice, just trying is so good for you and being around people, it really changes your life.”

Find more of Rowe’s art at samsconsin.com.