Sammy Veall
Melbourne-based Sammy Veall’s latest exhibition, Two Streets Back, explores the sublime scenes you find ‘two streets back’ from the main hustle of towns across Italy, Colombia and Mexico. We chat to Sammy about her latest exhibition, and much more!
Photography: Nicholas Wilton
Papaya, Lime and Coffee by Sammy Veall, from her solo exhibition, Two Streets Back, at The Ko.
Melons at Home by Sammy Veall, from her solo exhibition, Two Streets Back, at The Ko. Photo: Nicholas Wilton
H&F: Hi Sammy – what led you to where you are today?
Sammy: The good old virus. I used to own a yoga studio called Yoga 213 in Richmond, Melbourne. We closed for a total of 18 months from 2019 - 2021. During this time, I painted for around 6 hours a day and reignited my passion for painting. In January 2022 I sold my studio, and left my 9 years of yoga knowledge for the artist way of life!
What first inspired you to start a journey as an artist?
It’s always been in my blood, the creativity coursing through my veins. The desire to be free, to untether myself. Once I started painting I knew I couldn’t stop, it brings so much joy and freedom to my every day life. So I guess the inspiration was art itself. It just suits me and the way I want to live.
As an artist, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
Don’t think too much. Creativity flows through a relaxed mind. And allow mistakes to be gratifying. Nothing is ever wrong, it’s just part of the path to get you there. Some of my favourite paintings are ones that have countless layers of paint from mistakes.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine to help keep you focused?
I wish I did. This would help me a lot! I’m pretty loose. I do know that I work best when I have about 4 - 5 paintings on the go at once. The phone is a big thing, I think. I have started to print out my inspiration so that I am not looking at my phone, which really helps to keep my focus.
What drives your creativity?
New experiences and my mood. I also need to be completely connected to my subject matter. And music!
Do you have any daily rituals?
At the moment my life revolves around my son Jimmy, so I’m finding it hard to create any true daily rituals. But I do try and get out in nature at least once a day, even it’s just into our garden to sit in the fresh air. This clears the mind and allows me to pause.
‘Since having Jimmy I feel a confidence in who I am and what I want to create. I don’t have time to second guess myself, I just go for it,’ says Sammy Veall. Photo: Nicholas Wilton
Afternoon Gelato by Sammy Veall. Photo: Nicholas Wilton
“Once I started painting I knew I couldn’t stop – it brings so much joy and freedom to my every day life. So I guess the inspiration was art itself. It just suits me and the way I want to live.”
What was the inspiration behind the pieces in your latest solo exhibition, Two Streets Back, at The Ko?
I had so much fun creating this exhibition. I really took my time and never felt stressed. The works are inspired by the people and places you find ‘two streets back’ from the main hustle in towns across Mexico, Italy and Colombia. Those wonderful moments where you catch a glimpse in the simple yet sublime lives of those living in cultures different to your own.
How do you think your painting style has evolved throughout the years?
My brushstrokes have become looser and heavier. I also work a lot quicker, which allows me to get into the flow and out of my head.
You recently had your first child, how has it impacted your work?
Both positively and negatively. Freedom is such an important part of my ability to be creative and anyone who has children knows that this pretty much disappears! Although, since having Jimmy I feel a confidence in who I am and what I want to create. I don’t have time to second guess myself, I just go for it.
What advice can you share with someone who aspires to start a journey as an artist?
Just start painting. And keep painting, and paint exactly what you want. Not what you think someone else wants you to paint, or something that will sell. It’s got to come from deep within and if you can access this it will radiate out of you like sunshine and bring you so much happiness.
Where do you mostly draw inspiration from in your work?
Different cultures, interesting people, nature and music.
What do you like to do in your down time?
Yoga, walk in nature, cooking (although this has become a chore!), massage and gardening.
What are you looking forward to?
I have a few ideas brewing at the moment, I am really excited at the potential of an artist residency. I feel the time away on my own to really immerse myself in the work is exactly what my practice needs.