Samuel Perry

Samuel Perry's work is an ever-evolving exploration of texture, memory, and the visceral pulse of daily life. Drawing deeply from the raw materials of both the canvas and the world around them, Perry's process begins with unprimed, often weathered canvas—scrunched, scuffed, and even stained with everyday remnants like spilled coffee. This prelude to creation serves as an act of surrender, an acknowledgment of imperfection and the inherent beauty of chaos. It's in this initial stage that the artwork finds its first marks—instinctive gestures that mirror the artist's inner landscape. From there, Perry begins a rich layering process that blends spontaneous drawing and gestural painting with each successive stroke, revealing an evolving abstraction rooted in personal memory, emotional response, and the fluidity of time.

Central to Perry's practice is the interplay between the tactile, almost physical engagement with the canvas, and the more ephemeral, conceptual forces—such as music, memory, or a fleeting moment—that guide their work. Whether the work emerges from an idea or simply the rhythm of music, each piece embodies a deep engagement with both the material and the emotional. The layers of texture, marks, colors, and shapes are not just visual elements, but a map of experience—personal, cultural, and emotional. The act of creation is a dynamic conversation between the artist and their surroundings, a way to reconcile the fragmented, transient nature of existence with the search for meaning and connection.

Perry's approach is constantly evolving, ensuring that no two works are ever the same. Since joining the San Diego art community in 2014, their work has garnered increasing attention, with pieces featured in juried exhibitions across Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Known for their commitment to pushing beyond the boundaries of their own established style, Perry refuses to settle into repetition, embracing each new canvas as an opportunity to grow and explore new dimensions of expression. This relentless drive for innovation has made Perry's work resonate with collectors across the country, with pieces now held in private collections nationwide.

A lifelong artist, Perry's passion lies in translating their personal history and the rhythms of life into visual art that speaks both to the individual and the universal. Living and working in Southern California, their environment—marked by the sun-drenched landscape, vibrant culture, and boundless energy—continually informs and inspires their creative process. Outside the studio, Perry shares their life with their partner and two dogs, Morris and Bleu, whose presence brings balance and grounding to their otherwise exuberant creative journey.