OBUS X SAM MICHELLE
For our latest Obus Lovers blog, we’re excited to sit down with the incredibly talented artist Sam Michelle, whose vibrant and expressive work has made her a standout in the contemporary art world. Known for her rich botanical paintings bursting with color and life, Sam has created a unique style that captures the beauty of nature in stunning detail. Her artistry now extends beyond the canvas in our beautiful new collaboration.
In this interview, we chat with Sam about her artistic journey, her inspiration, the OBUS collaboration, and the ways in which art and fashion complement one another, creating a dialogue that celebrates individuality and creativity.
Q1: Sam, can you take us back to the beginning? How did your journey as an artist start, and what inspired you to pursue painting as a career?
Q2: Your work is known for its vibrant depiction of flowers and natural elements. How has your artistic style evolved over the years, and what drives you creatively today?
A: Painting what I grow really drives me creatively today, finding weird and wonderful seeds and plants online really excites me. I get a real kick on my morning garden walks to see what has just flowered, as most of the time I haven't seen the flower in real life. If there is nothing flowering in my garden, I love to visit flower markets, nurseries and open gardens for inspiration and ideas. In terms of style, I would say these days I am really enjoy the using line, depth and light by the process of wiping away the oil paint ever so slightly to obtain a lovely glow. I have been enjoying working on large canvases and the freedom in brush strokes that come with going big!
Q3: What was it like collaborating with Obus on this new lounge wear collection? What was it like seeing the translating of your art from the canvas to clothing?
A: I am so grateful to be collaborating with Obus and being part of their first lounge wear collection. I absolutely adore the outcome of the print, I am a green colour lover and the tones in the print are right up my alley. I love the styles within the collection and how you have the ability to wear the pieces in and out of the home.
Q4: Obus is known for its focus on thoughtful, sustainable fashion. How does this align with your values as an artist, and what makes this collaboration special for you?
A: Working with people that share the same values is important to me. The ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials and environmental practices are all wonderful ways Obus emphasizes and prioritizes sustainability. Within my practice I have worked with Southern Buoy for over 10 years, they make my frames and canvases, they also share my values in sustainable practices. I have 3 worm farms and 2 compost bins in my garden as its important to me to reuse my waste in smart ways. As a slow fashion lover I have a limited wardrobe so when Obus asked to collab, it was a no brainer and I am very proud to be part of this special collection.
Q5: As someone who works so closely with colour and texture, what role does fashion play in your personal life? Do you have a particular style or favourite go-to pieces from Obus?
A: For most of my week I am in my paint splattered clothes so when it is time to step out of those, I am all about bold colour, print and pattern but most importantly, I am about comfort. My go to is a blouse/shirt and pant look, so the stunning Wildglade blouse from Obus ticks all my boxes!
Q6: What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out? Any tips on finding their creative voice or breaking into collaborations like yours with Obus?
A: For artists starting out I would give the following advice (which is really just about mindset), think about just doing a little, often, forever. Think about doing your best work and sharing it, don't think about anything else, everything else is outside your control. Finding your creative voice is all about creating work that you are interested in, not what you think others might be. My favourite artists all focus their practice on things important to them which is then interesting to me. I am not sure about how to break in to amazing opportunities like collaborations with Obus, I guess you just need to dream and manifest that sort of thing ;)!
Q7: Lastly, what’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon that your fans and the Obus Lovers community should look out for?
A: I am currently working on my show 'Garden Parties' which will be exhibited 27 Feb - 27 March 2025 at my gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary in Sydney. These paintings are all on the larger side and depict giant flower arrangements in party settings. Over the weekend 1-3 November I have some paintings in a group show at the All Saints estate in Wahgunyah Victoria with curator Sarah Fletcher. I am looking forward to this weekend celebrating All Saints 160 birthday!
