Cindy R. Sams

Artist Statement

My work has grown from the use of acrylics on their own and with glazes to the inclusion of metallic paints both on their own, with glazes and aging agents. The use of the metallic paints with the aging agents sends you to new results that you only have control over part of their finished product. The amount of product changes the outcome. My favorite works and for others have been the ones that I use these techniques.

It’s architechtural at first glance, a column. Then I began to see how the sides pinned in the column. It was the same week as the bridge collapse in Minnesota in August 2007. I kept painting and the small pieces reminded me of the searching and uncovering they were doing.
The proscess I use begins with raw cotton canvas, sealed with gesso, sanded and sealed again. Base paint goes on, then I start the design. I painted this entire piece with bronze and iron paint. Some accents using red paint. Several coats of the iron paint give it a solid look and with the aging agent applied, it’s “weathered.”

I was asked to be in a exhibition all about floor coverings “Completely Floored” at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Lancaster Ohio, and the Cincnnati Enquirer( Januray 5, 2006) wrote, The exhibit includes everything from 19th century rugs fromTurkey, Iran and Russia to contemporary floor cloth designs by Columbus Artist Cindy Sams, along with three works by Alexander Calder, …”


Biography

Cindy Sams has created floorcloths and wall canvases in Traditional Early American to Contemporary designs for over 18 years. She studied Art and Textiles and Clothing at the Ohio State University. Having loved art in many forms since a young age, it was only natural for her to continue the long history of floorcloths in her own designs.

Cindy began designing and creating floorcloths in 1989. In February 2002 she had the opportunity to start her own business. Her work has been in Columbus’ BIA-Parade of Homes, (2002, 2004-2007) several juried shows and exhibits. She lead workshops at the 2005 Columbus Arts Festival, downtown Columbus, and the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, February 2006. She also has a line of pet mats at Posh Pets, Short North, Columbus. Cindy continues to create custom orders for those who want to add a splash of color and uniqueness to a room.


C.V.

History of shows, exhibitions and publication features2002 shows and exhibits:

February 2, 2002-Kick-off show in private gallery in the Warehouse District, near the Short North., Columbus, OH
February 17, 2002 -Article in Sunday Columbus Dispatch, Home & Garden Section. Three color photos with history and explanation of the work.
June 2002 BIA Parade of Homes; CV Perry with Marlene Casey, P&D Builders, John Wilson and Cua Builders , Sherre Massa
September 2002 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival.

2003 shows and exhibits:
Works at Canal Shoppe, Canal Winchester (begun May 2003-shop closed December 2003)
Posh Pets, Short North (begun October 2002 to present)
Three Dog Bakery, Polaris Parkway, (begun October 2002, shop closed June 2003)
Pickerington Antique and Art Show, March 2003
August 26, 2003 Art Crawl, German Village An Evening event with paid admission
September 1, 2003 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
September 20, 2003 Art in the City, Newark, Ohio


2004 shows and exhibits:
Pet mats at Posh Pets
Spring Fair, March 20-21 Ohio Expo Center, 2nd Annual 2-day show of Fine Crafts
Pickerington Antique and Art Show, March 27
2004 Parade of Homes five floorcloths in 2 different homes; Truberry Group, Heidi Yoder, American Heritage Homes, Julie Heimelsbach
Contemporary American Rug Makers, Ohio Designer Craftsman Member, Ohio Craft Museum, July 11 to August 29 , two pieces in show
July 31, Art Crawl., German Village, Columbus, OH
Art in the City , Newark, OH
St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY October 1-3 S. 4th Street location.
Pickerington Antique and Art Show, November 1 2005 shows and exhibits:
Pet mats at Posh Pets
Spring Fair, April 2-3, 3rd Annual , Ohio Expo Center.
Decorative Arts Exhibit, Upper Arlington Municipal Bldg, 4/18-5/13, 2005
2005 Parade of Homes; Truberry Group, Heidi Yoder
September 5, 2005 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival2006 shows and exhibits:
Pet mats at Posh Pets
Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, Lancaster, OH January 27-April 2 “Completely Floored” exhibit with other contemporary rugs, Navajo and Oriental rugs; Taught class on February 18
2006 Parade of Homes; Rockford Homes, Alteriors Interior Design
September 2006 Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival2007 shows and exhibits:
Pet mats at Posh Pets
January 2007 Ohio Designer Craftsmen-Art Studio Clearance Sale, Vets Memorial, Columbus, OH
Article in Columbus Monthly magazine’s Home Edition, Tips and Trends, April 2007 issue
2007 Parade of Homes, American Heritage Homes, Colour by Design, interior designers
August 18-19 Art on Fair, Lancaster, OH
Columbus Dispatch, At Home Publication for the Holidays, December 2007, featured pet mat design