sam umaria
Mediums Used
Sam is the quintessential renaissance man. This is a conceptual artist whose skill is entirely natural and believes his unique style is the result of his lack of formal training. Sam finds the visualization of a sculpture as natural as the act of breathing. He trained as a scientist, dentist and is a published author, novelist and an accomplished photographer.
Sculpting gives meaning to my life and tranquillity to my soul.
My sculptures are the result of keen observation and meditation.
I use clean lines and simple shapes to distil the essence of a complex subject. The Last Supper is one such example.
The source of much of my inspiration comes from my travels and the rich history of Art in Asia, Africa and Europe has influenced my choice of subject.
I am passionate about colour and movement and forge these together with form and texture to breath life and meaning into my creations. Some have an ethereal quality, appearing to defy gravity while others celebrate the joy of life and our ever-changing world.
I try to pose questions or make statements to add yet another dimension to my work.
I have embraced modern technology and amalgamated it with traditional techniques to create art that pushes the boundaries of visual perception and provokes an emotion.
Sculptures by sam umaria
Credentials
Exhibitions
yes
Sam was born in Mumbai, India in 1956. At the age of 5 he moved to Kenya and then to the UK when aged 12.
His fascination and love for art grew from an early age progressing from painting to sculpture and photography. As a child nothing was more absorbing or fulfilling as creating forms with plasticine, plaster of Paris and clay.
At a sculpture studio next to his primary school in Mumbai he would watch in awe as master artisans released the forms of Ghandi, Nehru and others from their marble and granite prisons.
He taught himself sculpture at A-level as the course was not available at his school in Hove (UK).
Sam conquered his dyslexia and chose to read Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield gaining an honours degree and then went on to graduate as a dentist from the University of London.
To help pay his way through university Sam designed jewellery which he calls his mini sculptures.
15 years ago the smouldering embers of his creative passion burst into flame and since then he has worked as a sculptor.
He is an accomplished photographer.
Sam looks at the world through open eyes and unconstrained mind. This approach helps him to absorb that which has gone before and to create something very unique now.
1997 - TV1 - Nightline. New Zealand
2002 - Asia Down Under. TV1. New Zealand
2002 - New Zealand Herald. New Zealand
2003 - Home and Entertaining. New Zealand
2007 - Asia Down Under. TV1, New Zealand
2007 - Alsace News. France
2008 - Alsace News. France
2008 - Christchurch News Paper. New Zealand.
Public Works: Faith - (2008) Christchurch, New Zealand.
