Meet Samuel Sauls

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Sauls and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
One of the earliest memories I have is watching a live musical performance and feeling intensively, “I want to do that”. Before I even learned to give it words, creative expression has always been the most obvious path for me. Pursuing a creative career started with the inspiration or inner calling as a child to create—trusting in this calling without knowing how it will happen. Early on, music ignited my heart when I was introduced to choral music at around 4 or 5 years old, with visual art following very swiftly after. However, it wasn’t until taking advanced art classes in high school did I see that I was already fully on the path and was only going deeper into it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art that comes out of my studio practice explores Afro-futurism, metamorphosis, consciousness, and pure play. The craft and honing of skills doing these explorations result in depictions of consciousness expressed through the gaze of Afro-futurism: an umbrella term for considering how science-fiction, fantasy, and technology can be used to imagine and reimagine lost pasts and new futures for alienated, black “other”. The methodology used is primarily digital collage, with accompanying research investigating the intersection of these topics. As an, “image bender”, I use imagery as a visual medium to push the boundaries of digital collage as an artform and craft.

With the guidance and support of former classmates, mentors, and meaningful connections, I’ve been able to step into the creative field professionally and expand my practice even further. Getting to this point has had many challenges , but just like any other creative practice, it was inevitable. The way I learned to overcome challenges as a creative and in all aspects of life is by fully accepting them and remaining open to what they offer. Learning radical self-acceptance shifted my perspective on reality and allowed me to see challenges as points of growth.

As a multi-disciplinary creative, I am not limited to graphic design as a creative expression: music producer & sound designer, vocalist, musician, performer, sculptor, writer, model, photographer & dancer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The plan would definitely revolve around hitting areas that would take us around the entire city to get a good overview. To break it down over the course of the week, I would start with taking them to Yeppa & Co on Buckhead Avenue and then head over to Little Five Points to check out the scene there. Stops throughout the week would include Piedmont Park, the Beltline (including stopping by Hawkers), the High Museum and Top Golf. And of course, leave room for spontaneity during the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to all the loving and supportive beings I have had the pleasure to cross paths with and the immeasurable impact our connection has had in this journey. Thank you for holding space, elevating, expanding and constantly pouring into my cup. It will never go unnoticed or unappreciated!

Website: https://www.samuelsauls.com

Instagram: gizmosplanet

Image Credits
Samuel Sauls