Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Chilvers.
Hi Samantha , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. I grew up in London, Ontario Canada, and creativity was a huge part of my life from a young age. My father was a graphic designer and painter and one of my biggest inspirations, so art always felt natural to me.
In my late teens I attended a local art college and became a resident artist at the local gallery hub in my home town, The Arts Project.
In my early twenties, I moved to the Dominican Republic for 4 months to focus on a series of paintings. At that point I had never been on a plane, had barely traveled, and had never even seen the ocean before. That experience completely changed the course of my life.
While living there, I learned to kitesurf, which eventually led me into the world of professional kitesurfing and opened the door to traveling all over the world. Through both art and sport, I’ve had the opportunity to experience incredible places, cultures, and landscapes that continue to shape my perspective and creative work. At points in my kitesurfing career I was highly ranked both nationally and internationally, as well as had many great sponsors over the years. These days I have “retired” from the competitive side of the sport, but still get on the water almost daily!
Kite surfing oddly opened the door to network with a very elite clientele, and I’ve even had the opportunity to go kite surfing with Richard Branson at his home in the BVI. I never would have imaged, but it had a massive impact on my art career.
Today I paint full-time, with my work deeply influenced by movement, nature, color, the ocean, and storytelling. My goal has always been to create art that feels alive—work that sparks joy, energy, curiosity, and emotional connection. Whether through bold color, playful imagery, or layered narratives, I hope my paintings bring a sense of positivity and freedom into people’s lives.
I am still living mainly in Dominican Republic but traveling as much as possible. Currently I am preparing for an exhibition at Lucid Art Gallery in Miami taking place during Miami art week.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Loosing my father at 25 was a huge challenge for me. He helped me greatly with my business and was a massive inspiration. I still miss him everyday and often think how much easier my life or more successful I would be if he had not passed.
Adjusting to life abroad (alone) also comes with its own unique challenges. Especially romantic relationship when living in a transient tourist destination.
Managing finances as an independent artist arriving only from their art sales.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a full-time painter, and my work is centered around creating pieces that feel joyful and bring positive emotion. My works are generally mixed media and are bold contemporary paintings that often combine animals, pattern, movement, and unexpected imagery to tell a story or evoke emotion. My work is heavily influenced by travel, nature, the ocean, and completely random.
A lot of what I’m known for is my use of color, playful compositions, and creating work that feels uplifting while still layered with meaning. I love combining beauty with curiosity—pieces that feel energetic at first glance but reveal more the longer you sit with them. Some of my collections also explore repetition, symbolism, and juxtaposition through recurring subjects like animals and decorative pattern work.
What I’m most proud of is building a life where art has remained at the center of everything I do, basically being a truly successful full time artist. My path has been a bit unconventional, as I really have done it all on my own, and have not so much worked with galleries or within the art world. Over the last decade I’ve sold over 2000 paintings in over 50 countries and been able to purchase myself a condo in DR as well as travel the globe. My paintings are deeply personal, but my hope is that they feel universal enough for others to connect with in their own way.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Host your own art shows and events. Don’t wait for someone else to promote you or represent your work. Paint everyday even if you don’t have projects or exhibitions booked. Making good paintings is just like putting money in the bank, they all sell sooner or later.
Oddly there isn’t anything I wish I’d known starting out. It’s all been part of the journey and each chapter was a stage and part in becoming the artist I am today…. I guess if I had to say anything, it would be “buy bitcoin” when I first heard about it! 😂
Pricing:
- My small works range anywhere from $50-$500usf
- But most of my larger pieces sell for $2500-$5000
- However I have had a few artworks auction for as high as $10k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.chilvers.ca
- Instagram: Chilversart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.chilvers/
