Sam

Every commission begins with a message. For this work, the message was the story of Sam, a half-Chow with a royal attitude and a fierce sense of independence. She was described as a "stubborn, dramatic, big-attitude maniac" who transformed from a shy puppy into a proud queen who guards her neighborhood and her peace with equal intensity.

In creating this six-panel polyptych, I wanted to capture that duality. The structure of the grid represents the order she brought to the life of her best friend who cares for her, while the vibrant, chaotic bursts of color reflect her "big-attitude" personality. Sam is a dog who chooses her people, and that choice creates a bond that is both structured and unpredictable.

She is royalty in a fur coat, a creature who knows her worth and demands you recognize it too. This piece is a study of that presence. It is a tribute to a best friend who might trade you for a treat, but whose loyalty you wouldn't trade for the world.

Year: 2021

Format: Polyptych (6 panels, variable width)

Size:

• Top Left panel: 30 × 20 cm
• Center Left panel: 15 × 20 cm
• Bottom Left panel: 15 × 20 cm
• Top Right panel: 15 × 20 cm
• Center Right panel: 15 × 20 cm
• Bottom Right panel: 30 × 20 cm

Overall dimensions: 60 × 40 cm

Commissioned: Yes

Original: One of one