I ♥ Sam's work

(Mermaid Jemima takes Harry for a walk)



Whenever there's a new illustration posted, in either her charming blog, Matou en Peluche, or her exceedingly popular etsy shop (1000+Sales!) I have a small fantasy conversation with her which generally consists of me trying to worm key personal information on what inspired and drove her to create the newest beauty. So having shared that, you can probably imagine the thrill when she recently agreed to a short interview and I was finally given with the opportunity to live out the dream... (Below: Sam at her first public exhibit)

Samantha Battersby (or Sam as friends most lovingly refer to her) lives in Sydney Australia. She has a sharp-eye for beauty, teaches English by day, has a cat muse named Harry and is an extraordinary artist:

G: Hello Sam, thank you so much for agreeing to the interview! I wanted to start off by asking you how and when you first knew you wanted to be an artist? Do you have a memory of such a time or is it something you’ve always carried with you?

S: I can't remember ever saying to myself "I want to be an artist" but I never remember a time when I haven't not wanted to express myself that way and show people!

G: You have a great way of creating personas and scenarios in your illustrations. Do you begin your illustrations with a situation or emotion in mind or does it sort of form itself as you draw?

S: The character or scenario sort of forms itself as I draw. Part of the reason why I love drawing is because it's such an adventure! I have a vague idea about what I'd like to draw but often the drawing ends up with a life of it's own and I'm usually pretty surprised at what the finished result looks like!!

G: Borrowing from one of my favorite interviewers, Diana of Our.City.Lights, could you share your favorite illustration with us and why?

S: I don't really have a favourite! Perhaps 'Underwater Mermaid Boudoir' (Shown Left) or 'Mermaid Jemima takes Harry for a walk' (Top Post Photo). I like them because they are pretty girls who are a bit different and the subject of the drawings themselves are a bit silly! Taking an octopus for a walk is a bit whimsical as is two mermaids surrounded by water having their daily ablutions! So prettiness + a bit of humour.

G: Along with admiring your art work I’m also a huge admirer of your drive Sam, do you ever fall into uncreative slumps? And if so, what do you do to get yourself out of them?

S: The drive, yes I am a self confessed drawing machine, comes from my never ending quest to draw the best drawing in the world! Well, obviously not the world but to draw something that really makes people stop and say "Wow! Look at that!" I don't feel I've ever done that and so the quest continues!!

I don't really have an uncreative slump as such - I've always got a lot of ideas floating about in my head for drawings but from time to time I do have an "off" day drawing wise. An "off" day is when I draw several drawings and start several but am totally unhappy with all the results. I usually just admit defeat and come back later that day or another day and something OK pops out with any luck!

(Photo: Some of Sam's tools)

G: Lastly you have a very distinct style, is this a style you’ve developed through the years or does it just sort of come naturally to you? Do you have any tips for beginning artists out there who are looking to develop a distinct style of their own?

S: I've been into creating things, like a lot of folks, since I was pretty little: painting, sewing, embroidery, knitting, decoupage, etc you name it I've had a go at it! However, I've always come back to drawing and I think this is my true love. I do have a distinctive style but it's just what pops out really - sometimes I feel I'm chanelling something or someone else! I don't know why they turn out as a homogenous set!

For beginning artists, I think just stay true to yourself and what you feel is OK in your eyes and a distinctive style will emerge naturally.

(Thank you again Sam... you're amazing!♥)



Along with agreeing to be interviewed Sam has also agreed to sponsor a very generous GIVEAWAY of two of her prints: an 8x12 print of 'Mermaid Jemima takes Harry for a walk' (Top illustration, one of her favorites and mine!) and any 4x6 print of your choice from her shop. To enter, you simply have to visit her shop *HERE* and in the comments section of this post, tell us which is your favorite Matou en Peluche print (Please note: If you fail to state a favorite your entry will be discarded). One entry per person please, and be sure to leave an email address or a way of contacting you. International contestants welcome. Winner will be chosen via random.org at 11:00 a.m. (California time) on Tuesday, September 15, 2009.