ABOUT
Samantha Dabney is a mother, an artist, and a landscape architect. Born into a family of painters, sculptors, and photographers on both her mother’s and father’s sides for many generations, art is in her genes. From a young age, she went to bed devouring her parents’ art books, making (not buying) presents, not thinking anything of nude paintings on the walls, going to museums and art shows, and always making creations.
She started keeping an art journal at the age of 6 and still maintains that practice. Making art is her lifeblood.
Dabney’s work is an intimate act of connection with people, the natural world, and the imaginary. She draws simple things or scenes that are part of her daily life. She paints who and what matter to her. She finds inspiration traveling to many corners or the world and her work is a constant process of observe—make—observe. A deep fascination with the natural world and the impact humans have on it runs deep in her work. Dabney is known for her confident and expressive line work, use of color, and grasp of scale and composition.
At the age of 37 (with a 1-old-daughter) she suffered a severe brain bleed that completely disrupted every aspect of her life. Once she was able to hold a pen again, she jumped back into her creative pursuits. Her senses were heightened, making aesthetic harmony instrumental in her work vital than before.
Although she hails from Montana and has lived in many places around the US and overseas, Dabney now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her daughter and their three animals.
Her work is in private collections across the US and Europe.
EDUCATION
Middlebury College, BA
Rhode Island School of Design, MLA