Artist Statement:

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My current body of work is focused on swimmers underwater and above. Using vague yet consuming memories from my childhood summers spent immersed in the tepid lakes of northern Minnesota, I attempt to recreate the quiet tranquility of water and nature; of days spent sinking and floating, still and peaceful. These paintings are a link to my home and continual search for the feeling of the sun on my face and warm summer days at the lake. At the same time, I am drawn to an idealistic time before my own, where swim caps and wool swimsuits were commonplace. This combination of memory, observation and photography (old and new) has allowed me to preserve the transitory qualities of water and remembrance.

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Biography:

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Born and raised in north central Minnesota, Samantha French graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2005. Her paintings show a strong connection to her Minnesota lifestyle and memories. French has exhibited her paintings and is included in many private and public collections throughout the country. She resides and keeps a studio in New York City.