Full-time artist Samantha Schneider is set to unveil her latest exhibition “Root Beer Float” with an opening reception on Jan. 20th at the Mansfield Art Center. This solo show entails a collection that delves into the depths of nostalgia and the journey from childhood to adulthood.
Born in Minnesota, Schneider’s artistic journey mirrors her personal transitions. Moving to Grand Rapids, MI at a young age, followed by another move to Ohio at 12 years old, she found solace in art during the challenging shift from childhood to maturity.
“During that time, I sort of sunk into a depression because I was transitioning from childhood to more of a mature state,” Schneider said. “Art was the thing that allowed me to express myself and make myself feel better.”
Graduating in 2021 with a double major in painting and drawing from the Cleveland Institute of Art, Schneider has recently embarked on her full-time artistic career. Before reaching this milestone, she worked as a house painter and muralist, honing her skills and passion for creative expression.
The upcoming exhibition is a profound reflection of Schneider’s current state of mind.
“I have been feeling super nostalgic and missing childhood a lot. I remember when I didn’t have to worry about anything, money was of no object ’cause it wasn’t something I thought about, time wasn’t a thing I considered either. I kind of miss being a kid,” she said.
The collection primarily features large-scale paintings, some as massive as eight feet by six feet, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Schneider aims to make the exhibition not only a personal narrative but also a relatable journey of coming-of-age and transformation.
“I wanted to make a lot of work self-portraits because it’s a story about me, but also something other people should be able to relate to as well,” Schneider said.
Her work, titled “Root Beer Float,” sparks curiosity about the blue and red eyes in the painting. Schneider revealed it was a happy accident during a photo shoot with a bubble machine and colored lights.
“It’s just kinda proof that accidents can make really cool things,” she laughed.
The process of creating such captivating pieces involves extensive sketching, often starting with fast and rough sketches that evolve into refined ideas. Schneider then goes on to set up photo shoots for reference images, introducing props and colored lighting to capture the essence she envisions.
While the sketches may appear vastly different from the finished paintings, the final pieces come together after a meticulous process of refining the initial ideas. Schneider works with oil paint, appreciating its malleability, allowing her to revisit and rework details even after a day.
Her favorite piece from the exhibition is a recent work, Jackalope that features antlers and bunny ears in a winter scene.
“I really like the colors and the background. It took a lot of experimenting to get it right, and I was really happy with the results,” she said.
As the opening date of the exhibition approaches, Schneider is ecstatic to meet fellow artists and enthusiasts and share her work.
Opening reception for “Root Beer Float” will be Jan. 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The exhibit will be available to view until Feb. 25. For more information about Samantha Schneiders art work, visit her website. For more information about the Mansfield Art Center, click here.
