Sammy Veall
Visual artist Sammy Veall draws on her fascination with the mystery of body language and facial expression, encapsulating a feeling with one glance in her work.
Words: Holly Terry I Photography: Rhiannon Taylor & Paris Tilley
‘The (portraits) have lines on their face and are completely comfortable with who they are. They are perfect in their imperfect way. I love to paint still life, due to its simplicity,’ says Sammy Veall. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor
House Eleven Sells Lemons by Sammy Veall. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor
Lady in Blue by Sammy Veall. Photo: Paris Tilley
‘What I love most about what I do is: the freedom of it, the expressiveness of it, the solitude of it,’ says Sammy Veall. Pictured – Carry Me by Sammy Veall. hoto: Rhiannon Taylor
When Melbourne based artist, Sammy Veall discusses her work, there is one word that she uses multiple times: Freedom. And you can see why – her dreamy paintings encapsulate distant memories and vivid imagery of street-scenes from faraway lands. Her works are made up of earthy palettes which fuse together with subtle undertones of freedom and happiness.
As she describes her artistic practice, Sammy’s thoughts seem to flow effortlessly from her in the most grounded yet graceful of ways. Perhaps an ode to her 9-year long career owning a bustling yoga studio in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, or her mindful morning practice before painting which includes yoga, Palo Santo and daily dog walks with her Staffy cross, Tilly.
Drawing inspiration from body language, facial expressions, and the world around her, Sammy’s work tells stories of deep mystery and make the viewer ponder what kind of life her subjects have led.
‘The people I like to paint are always soulful and interesting… they have lines on their face and are completely comfortable with who they are. They are perfect in their imperfect way,’ Sammy describes fondly.
‘I find portraits so intriguing, I’m very interested in body language and facial expressions that can encapsulate a feeling with one glance,’ says Sammy Veall. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor
‘The people I like to paint are always soulful and interesting. They have a sense of mystery and make you wonder what sort of life they have led,’ says Sammy Veall. Photo: Photo: Paris Tilley
“I find Melbourne to be very creative and open. But it’s the lands that are faraway, which have influenced my work more.”
My Oaxacan Man by Sammy Veall. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor
Sammy Veall in her studio with her beloved Staffy cross, Tilly. Photo: Rhiannon Taylor
One thing that is striking about Sammy is this kind of duality of creative expression apparent in her artistic mind, like yin and yang. The artist blends still life and imagination, drawing upon up to four images to create one piece of work.
‘I will find a photograph of an interesting face and body posture, then…will match this with the colours from a front door-step that I have taken on a walk, then I will draw inspiration from any other colour palettes I have seen that I love.’ In the same token, Sammy is humble and light, ‘There are always days when nothing works and that’s when I sit on the floor and have a sook (haha!).’
Working from only seven colours, mixing palettes is a significant part of her creative process. When asked about why she is drawn to the alluring earthy tones, ‘[They] make me feel warm and happy inside. Life is hard and I believe art should lift you up and relax you.’ Judging by her feats in the yoga world, warmth and happiness are a refreshing attitude Sammy seems to carry with her through life.
