© Samara Weaver, Photo courtesy of the artist

March 16, 2022

Amie Potsic interviews artist Samara Weaver about her paper and ceramic artwork, which will be on view in upcoming exhibitions at the Delaware Contemporary and the University of Delaware.

“I have always been fascinated with materiality, resulting in my artistic exploration of various materials, and using them to explore texture, color, and perspective. I combine large numbers of smaller often simple elements into multi-faceted compositions, gaining complexity and space from their combination. My work often invites touch and asks the observer to explore it further with multiple senses. I immerse myself in the mediums I work with exploring their different properties, effects and methods of working with them. Currently, my focus has been on a process which I created developing colorful paper pieces, composed of layers upon layers of painted paper. For this process I do tests to select a palette of colors and then paint yards and yards of trace paper with watercolor paint, in large sections or a continuous strip. The final pieces are composed of tens to hundreds of linear feet of hand-painted paper which I crumple, fold and arrange into the final piece.”

— Samara Weaver

Photo credit: Joe Del Tufo, Moonloop Photo

Samara Weaver graduated with her Masters in Architecture in 2013 from Tyler School of Art and Architecture. After graduating Samara worked in Architecture and Construction while continuing to develop her unique artistic voice using multiple mediums. In 2017 she took the leap to work for herself and started Design Hues, focusing on artisan floral and specializing in large floral installations. In 2018 Weaver applied to the Juried Craft Show at The Delaware Art Museum and was accepted with a host of other talented artists. Showing her work at the museum was a pivotal turning point in her artistic career, supporting shifting her focus to her art full time. She was accepted in Spring 2020 for an art studio at the Delaware Contemporary art museum and has been working full time creating and selling her artwork, functional ceramics and porcelain jewelry. She also continues to look for opportunities to apply for fellowships, residencies and public art projects and was recently a finalist for the Haleakala National Park summer 2021 Artistic Residency.

For more information about the artist, visit: https://www.samaracweaver.com or follow her on Instagram @samaracweaver.