samantha sanders

I’m a multidisciplinary artist who creates whimsical, colorful work as a way to push back against how serious everyday life can feel. I’ve always been drawn to playful imagery and imaginative worlds, and my art is rooted in the simple hope that it might make someone smile, laugh, or feel a little lighter. I hold a bachelor’s degree in traditional art, which gave me a strong technical foundation, but my practice has grown far beyond the studio expectations I once imagined for myself. Several years ago, everything shifted when I made a donut pillow—an experiment that surprised me and changed the direction of my work. What started as a playful object turned into an ongoing exploration of plush, soft sculpture, and eventually painting, all connected by the same visual language. I’m inspired by animated worlds and illustrated storytelling, and I intentionally embrace childlike aesthetics as a way to tap into comfort, nostalgia, and joy. Whether I’m working in paint or fabric, I’m interested in creating work that feels welcoming and accessible. My goal is to blur the line between fine art and playful object, inviting people into lighthearted worlds where curiosity, warmth, and wonder are always allowed.