Artist Registry

Samantha Callahan

Samantha Callahan. “Saffron” Samantha Callahan. “Lilac chastetree” Samantha Callahan. “Birthwort”

Contact information

sam@samanthacallahan.com
www.samanthacallahan.com

Artist statement

My most recent series of paintings, Modified Flowers, were produced based on photos and technical illustrations of flowers, research of the healing properties of flowering plants, and images and research of female body modification. The flowers represented in the paintings were chosen because of their medicinal properties relating to the female reproductive system. I spent many hours reading about flowers and their healing properties before picking up a paintbrush.

The female reproductive system can be modified, changed, improved, enhanced and removed in many different ways. The reproductive system can also be healed in many different ways. As I was researching the healing properties of flowers, I came across an astounding number of flowering plants that are used to treat various female conditions.

The floral images are modified in various ways to symbolize women's choices and responsibilities regarding their own bodies.

The Modified Flowers series consists of acrylic paintings on texturized wood and canvas. The bold shapes, vibrant colors, and strong, clean lines of the work contrast with the delicate floral images.

Resume / bio

I was born in 1976 and raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During high school, advanced art portfolio classes developed my love for art. After high school, I began my studies in science at the University of Pittsburgh. I moved to Tennessee in 1995 to attend a small college and enroll in the medical laboratory program. I worked in the medical laboratory field for several years. I continued creating art throughout my medical career, including commissioned portraits and other art projects. In the late 1990's I lived in San Antonio, where I began producing art on a regular basis and had my first gallery showing in a group show. In 2001, I developed a medical condition restricting the use of my arms and was forced to end my medical laboratory career. Instead of inhibiting my artistic creation, my work began to develop more than ever. My emotions of dealing with a disease were expressed through my art in new and exciting ways. This chronic condition, as well as my medical experience, continues to influence my work today. My work explores female medical conditions, body issues, and chronic pain. In recent years, I have developed my personal style, themes, and art-making process. I began exhibiting my work in 2004 within art groups in Nashville and soon joined art organizations as member and board member.

Exhibitions

Professional affiliations

(Information last updated: 8 August 2006)

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© 2009 Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission
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