Short Bio: Samantha Fein is an interdisciplinary artist originally hailing from Tucson, Arizona. She utilizes the visual form to create pieces that address contemporary psychosocial issues, nonlinear narratives, and absurdist humor. While primarily known for her large-scale oil paintings and mixed media drawings, she continually experiments with all forms of creative expression. To learn more about her life and work, please visit her website at: www.samfein.com
Name: Samantha Fein
Age: 27
Occupation: MFA candidate at Mount Royal School of Art (MICA), Graduate Teaching Intern for Drawing I, and tutor at the Studio Writing Project
Baltimore Neighborhood: Bolton Hill
Website: http://samfein.com
Obsessive Collections: Being a visual artist, I have a habit of buying random things off the internet which I think will be used in my work. For instance, I have a giant inflatable cactus that has been sitting in my bedroom for the last year. I also have a large bowl filled with the plastic tags from bags of bread– which ostensibly I am saving for a future project.
Currently Reading: Lorrie Moore
Coolest Place You’ve Ever Lived or Travelled To: I lived in Quezon City, Philippines for a year when I was doing sociological research, and I absolutely loved it. It is a gorgeous country, and the people are so warm and fun-loving.
Hobbies or Leisure Activities: I blow of steam by hitting the gym, doing yoga, and getting down on the dance floor.
Favorite Food to Eat at Home: I cook a lot of Mexican-inspired dishes because it reminds me of Arizona. Basically, I just throw together black beans, jalapenos, cheese, tortillas in with whatever else is in my kitchen.
Favorite Food to Eat Out: I miss the fried apple rings at the Lost City Diner. Are they ever going to reopen?
Beverage of Choice: The fusion cocktails at Alewife are delicious, though I can always get down with a Resurrection Ale at Brewer’s Art.
Political Leanings: Extremely liberal
Favorite Baltimore spot to hang out: I’m always at Station North because it’s walking distance to my studio and I frequent the bars, restaurants, and galleries in the area. Last winter I dared a friend of mine to streak down North Ave in his boxers. I have the incident on video.
Pets: Marquita- 11 yo Siberian Husky and KC- 4 yo King Charles Caviler Spaniel and Valentino- an African grey parrot (age approx. 15+). My family and I bought Marquita off the side of the road when she was only 5 weeks old– we literally stopped for gas in Blythe, CA, and there was a litter of puppies in the truck next to us.
Favorite Artist, Living or Dead: I have too many to mention, so I’ll give you one of each: Dana Schutz and Elizabeth Murray
Movie that Sums Up the Current State of Your Life: Reality Bites
Favorite Bad Habit: Candy, beer, and reality TV (Yes, at the same time)
Mantra or Favorite Quote: “Preferible morir de pie antes de vivir arrodillado” (Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees ) –Ernesto “Che” Guevara
