The dry river near Chinon 182X124 c''m oil and acrylic on linen.
Dear friends, artists, and colleagues,
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the challenges we’ve all faced—challenges that have tested our resolve, shaken our spirits, and at times made the world seem overwhelmingly dark. For me personally, this year has been one of isolation and heartache. It’s been over a year now since I’ve been unable to return to my homeland, due to the ongoing war in Israel—a conflict that has left me feeling displaced, even though I am not a refugee. In fact, I never imagined that the situation would last this long, and as the political climate continues to stir turmoil around the globe, it’s hard not to feel weighed down by the uncertainty.
I have shared with you before the tragic story of Tamar Kedem and her family, who were massacred in their home on October 7th. At that time, I thought the war would be over after a few months.
I wanted to remain positive, but since the war has worsened, and as we know there are no winners in war!
But as the conflict endures, I cannot help but feel fear and sorrow for what this might mean for the future.
When I first chose to dedicate my life to art, it was because I believed in its power to bring peace and joy—not just to me, but to the world. I felt that if art could give me a sense of calm, perhaps it could help others find it too. I believed that beauty, compassion, and creativity could inspire a better world, and that through my work, I become more sensitive and more aware of myself, and help others become more sensitive to the beauty around them as well. I imagined a world full of “gentle men”—not weak, but strong, compassionate, and capable of embracing both the power of masculinity and the tenderness that allows us to protect what is fragile.
But, as I look at the world today, it feels as if society has forgotten the value of these qualities. Our world, both spiritually and materially, is often driven by forces that seem to push us further from compassion and understanding. The art world, in particular, has become a place where the ultra-wealthy launder money, rather than celebrating true creativity and the beauty that art can bring into the world. As a painter, this has made it increasingly difficult to make a living, and while this reality is disheartening, it is not one I am willing to accept.
Despite these challenges, I continue to create because I believe that art/painting is essential. It has always been my lifeline, and I’m so thankful for the support of friends like you who make it possible for me to continue painting and sharing my work.
And so, I ask you: in a world so full of struggle, isn’t the creation and sharing of beauty—whether in the form of a painting, a song, or a simple act of kindness—more essential than ever?
As the holidays approach, I want to offer you the opportunity to bring more beauty into the world, not only through art, but by supporting it. If you’ve been thinking about finding a meaningful, original gift for someone you care about, or perhaps for yourself, I encourage you to explore the collection of my works. When you choose to purchase a painting/drawing/sculpture, you’re not just acquiring a piece of art; you’re contributing to something bigger—a movement toward a more compassionate and beautiful world.
Your support means more than words can express. It allows me to keep creating, keep living, and keep striving to make the world a better place, one brushstroke at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for standing with me, and for believing in the transformative power of art.
Wishing you peace, love, and joy as we close out this year.
Warmly,
Sam
P.S heres a video of the pallete I use
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