Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Samford.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Graduated valedictorian from Wade College, in Dallas, with a degree in merchandising and design. It was in college when I first painted (for an art show they were having), and it became an obsession in teaching myself to get better. Worked in Dallas area in the interior design field for years before opening an art studio in the Cedar Creek Lake area, offering art workshops to the community. There was a good 10-12 years of life between college and opening an art studio, and I painted along all those years and got better as each year passed. Once it was on my heart to open a studio and the opportunity presented itself, I had 10-12 years of experience under my belt already. I knew first hand how to learn to paint when you know nothing. Since then I have had several opportunities to leave my mark on this little piece of the planet in big ways, or at least on big walls with my murals. Because of an unquenchable desire to learn, curiosity always leads me to seek a new skill or craft. Mastering one skill just isn’t how my brain operates. That is how I got into leather work, curiosity. I just recently started the B. Samford Leather line which includes handmade leather goods such as handbags, cross body purses, and moccasins.
Please tell us about your art.
As stated before, I’m a Jack of many trades so I will separate them.
As far as the murals go, I have painted several murals in the Cedar Creek Lake area. My “Willie For President” mural in Gun Barrel City got a lot of attention when Willie shared it on his Facebook page. I’ve been blessed to paint my artwork on such big walls, with such a big audience. My favorite part of street art is that it’s there for everyone to see, not in a home or a gallery but in the backdrop of every day. It becomes a part of the story in so many lives, memories, and pictures to look back on. That is so much bigger than me; I’m so thankful to be able to be a part of that.
B. Samford Leather is Handmade leather goods. All the handbags and cross body purses are one of a kind. Using the raw edge of the hide not only creates natural and unique designs but also one of a kind pieces that cannot be duplicated. We also have handmade moccasins that feature colorful and fun prints. Everything we make is something we would personally carry or wear. The inspiration for the purses first started out as wanting to make myself a cute purse that matched my style. Natural. I design every purse down to each detail; it’s important to me that no two are the same; just like the humans that purchase them.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Hustle. If you want something in life, you have to make it happen. You have to accept things don’t happen overnight, more accurately, they happen little by little. Little by little everything grows, you as a person, your art, your abilities, your confidence, your desire to pursue doing what you love. As life speeds on, you gather the materials, tools, and experience to lead you into the next chapter of your life. How you paid for it is the same way, little by little, and how the money shows up is different for everyone. I just know if you are so passionate about something that you think about it when you wake up, throughout the day, when you go to bed, in your dreams; when you are that passionate about something, you will find a way to make it work. Most importantly, you must believe in yourself before anyone else will. Don’t expect anything from anyone; it is up to you to pursue your dream and make it a reality. You have to put the work in, and it will be a lot of work! If it were easy everyone could and would do it. Be willing to use every no as a stepping stone to yes because there will be a lot more no’s you have to step on to get to a yes. Stay focused and be patient.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Available leather goods can be seen on the B. Samford Leather Facebook and Instagram pages.
We will also be attending the Salado Wine and Rogue Art Festival, March 30-31 and the Aspasians Marketplace in Rockwall, April 27th. We will have our moccasins, handbags and cross body purses for sale.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 903-802-1649
- Email: britsamford@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsamfordleather/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B-Samford-Leather-2167462136648089/
Image Credit:
Summer Simpson
Britney Samford
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