tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90473674193854609422024-03-13T21:17:05.558-07:00SamG FolkartThe Personal Side of SamG the folk artist....SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-57867361410417236042020-12-19T17:45:00.002-08:002020-12-19T17:45:48.131-08:00Christmas: A Time of Traditions and the Worst Christmas Story Ever ToldThis has been a most difficult year for a lot of people. The holidays haven't been the same without Christmas parties and gatherings of friends. I have a few Christmas traditions that I usually do at gatherings. I do my impersonation of Elvis singing "Blue Christmas" and I tell the following story. I've told it many, many times over the years but have never written it down. I have painted it though. It's not a proud moment in my life, but the following events actually occurred just as I am telling them. Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you... Night of the Mole Titty, the Worst Christmas Story Ever Told.<div><br /></div><div>It was Christmas 2008. I had recently gotten divorced at the end of October after being married for 7 1/2 years. A week later, my brother's girlfriend introduced me to one of her friends. We dated briefly, which is another story of it's own, but it ended with her kicking me out of the house buck ass naked for telling her that her butt stank. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Christmas came around I was lonely. A friend of mine had told me about an online dating site that he used, so I said what the heck and signed up. I found this girl on there that lived nearby and we started talking. She invited me over to her house for dinner, so being poor, broke and hungry, I accepted. I go knock on the door and the woman who answered the door looked nothing like her profile photo. I'm talking U-G-L-Y!!!! I didn't know what to do, but I could smell the dinner she'd cooked and I was hungry. I go in and eat and we watch some movie on TV and talk a little and I get out of there. We talked about art some and she showed me some of her daughter's art. She seemed to have a real appreciation for art. </div><div><br /></div><div>Being the gentleman that I am, and being appreciative of the nice meal. I decide that I would take her out to dinner the following night and tell her that it wasn't going to work out. I took her out to Chili's and ran into 95% of the people I know that didn't know that I'd gotten divorced and thought I was running around with this ugly ass woman. Afterwards she asks if we can go back to my house so she can see some of my art. I said ok, since it was on the way back to taking her home. </div><div><br /></div><div>We get to my house and I show her around and she wants to watch a movie or something. While we're sitting on the couch, she jumps on top of me and starts trying to kiss on me. I'm like what the hell and get up and go to the bathroom. When I come out, she's no longer on the couch and I hear her in the bedroom. The lights were out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've made some poor decisions in my lifetime. I'm not going to lie about it. As I was standing there in the doorway trying to figure out what I was going to do with this ugly woman laying naked in my bed, I began to feel sorry for her. In my mind, I reasoned that it was Christmas... and this poor woman may never have an opportunity like this again. I hesistantly laid on the bed. It get's kind of graphic from this point, but there is no better way to tell it, so bear with me. I started sucking on one of her breasts. In the dark, I was having a difficult time navigating around there and I finally found something to latch onto. It felt awkward and in a weird location, and as my eyes started to adjust to the darkness, I realized that I was sucking on a big hairy mole. I lost my shit. I felt so violated and dirty. I was completely grossed out. I began to panic, but then I remembered my shoulder and the ability to throw it out of socket at will. It was the result of a weight lifting injury in high school. As I began screaming in pain, she asked what was wrong. I told her that my shoulder was out and that I was going outside to smoke a cigarette and try to get it back in place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Five hours later, it was 3:00 in the morning, I had been trying to come up with a plan but I was just too disturbed. I think I smoked two packs of cigarettes. I finally go back in hoping that she was asleep and hadn't stolen a bunch of my shit. I crawl in bed quietly, completely clothed. I even had my coat on. Every time she got near me, I'd scream like I was in pain. I woke up early the next morning, told her that I had to go. I took her home and never saw or talked to her again. </div><div><br /></div><div>So there it is people... The Worst Christmas Story Ever Told. I told you that it was going to be. </div><div><br /></div><div>That night haunted me for a while. Christmas had been ruined. After the two dating experiences I'd gone through after my divorce, I said that I was going to give up dating for a while, but then I met this really cute little midget lady at the Waffle House on New Year's Eve. That's another less exciting story for another day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I try to have a moral to the story when I write one of these things... but I'm gonna let you figure the lesson you need from this one on your own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas from SamG!!!! </div>SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-65564589701032471162020-10-08T18:38:00.001-07:002020-10-08T18:38:45.496-07:00A Junkman Looks at 50<p> I guess you could say that I'm more of an artist now, but forever in my heart, I will always be a junkman. Eight days from now I will be turning 50. The Perfect TV hair is thinning a little. It's also turned much grayer. I've got some artificial replacement parts now in my right knee and my heart. Somedays I feel old.</p><p>I went back and read a blog post on here about turning 40. My goal then was, "Ain't much happiness left in the world, and I got to do something about it!!!" I know that I've tried to help fix that. Forty seems like a long time ago. I actually went to my 40th Birthday Party, even though I showed up 2 1/2 hours late. It's one of the rare ones that I showed up for. We had talked about a big 50th Birthday Party with a bunch of friends at The Clermont Lounge. I told my friends that with the Covid restrictions, if I couldn't get a lap dance from a 70 year old stripper, I didn't even want to go. My plans are much more subtle now, but will still be fun. Hopefully I will get to meet an artist that I admire. </p><p>Anyways, it's time to start the reminiscing I suppose. I've made changes in the past ten years, I left my hometown of Pike County Georgia for the Northeast Georgia Mountains. My first house here was in Reggie Meaders old home. I enjoyed my time there. It was really cool getting to see history as it was happening. I became friends with David Meaders, who passed away earlier this year. I always looked forward to kiln firings, those were fun times. Those years in the old Meaders place were hard on me financially though. I remember telling people that I'd leave and go back home, if I wasn't too broke to. I had some good times in that old house though too. </p><p>I lived in Dahlonega for a while too, I really grew fond of the "Steak 'n Shake." Then I moved to Hollywood, GA into what is now referred to as "World Famous SamG Land." Lorri and I had been dating a while and I had lived here briefly before moving to Dahlonega. I told her that I needed my own space here, so I purchased a studio building. She told me that I could do whatever I wanted to here. I don't think she thought I'd do this. </p><p>One of the favorite things about the last 10 years has been the people that I've met. There are so many that I won't try to name them all. Just know that I love you. </p><p>A lot changed on March 13, 2017 when I damn near died on the shitter. That's documented in one of the past blog posts, if you aren't familiar with that story. I had to give up smoking, drinking, fried foods, and collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage. With all the things I had to give up, I gained a few things too. The foremost being appreciation. I've learned to appreciate every day and every one (unless they piss me off). I see other artists talking about setting goals and planning for the future. I tried doing that at one time. Now my daily goal is to have as much fun as I can. That's all I hope to accomplish, having fun. I recently told someone, "I see all these artists talking about working, if art is work, then you're doing something wrong." Art to me has always been "happy fun time!" </p><p>Now looking back at the past year. It's been amazing. I'd planned on doing more shows this year and had actually signed up for a couple. I miss seeing everyone and can't wait to hug people and hunch on some legs. But then Covid hit and everything was cancelled. But that was ok, things kept happening for me. I feel like I've been on this magic ride since October of last year. It didn't slow down thru the winter and when Covid hit, it seems like it picked up even more. 2020 has been a tough year on a lot of people, but I can honestly say that even without doing one single show, it's been the best year that I've ever had as an artist, by far! I wanted to make people come to me, and damn if it didn't work! I got a couple of breaks that really helped me too. For those I am very grateful. </p><p>As for the future, I will be here in SamG Land making my own world, trying to spread as much love as I can, and being as oblivious to the outside world as possible. I'm just going to try to be happy and have fun until the world explodes. </p><p>To anyone who wants to throw me a 50th Birthday Party, go ahead and do it. Cut the cake and have a good time. Play some music and dance. Break out the karaoke machine!!! I probably wouldn't have shown up anyway. I just have this thing about hating birthdays.</p><p><br /></p><p>SamG</p><p><br /></p>SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-55845570948276988392020-08-16T20:08:00.001-07:002020-08-16T20:10:13.019-07:00Be Good to Everybody.... my visit to a snake handling church<p> I went to church this morning. It's not something I regularly do anymore. The last time I was in one was almost 2 years ago down in Plains, Ga. Lorri and I along with our friends Jack and Ginger went to see Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School. Today I went to the Edwina Church of God in Jesus Christ's Name in Newport, TN. It is led by Pastor Jimmy Morrow. It's a small church. They believe in the handling of serpents. Jimmy is also a folk artist. The only people present were myself and Lorri, Pastor Morrow and his wife Pam, and the assistant pastor and his family, for a total of about 10 people. Jimmy let me know though that National Geographic was there 3 weeks ago and the Smithsonian Institute had visited recently. </p><p>I heard about Jimmy Morrow through Fred Scruton. Fred is a well known photographer of art environments and folk artists. I was intrigued by his photographs and wanted to learn more, and I wanted one of those dolls for my collection. I've heard tales of snake handling churches most of my life, mostly in a negative or derogatory sense. I will say first that I was drawn to his art first, and the idea of a cultural experience seemed intriguing. Then I got to speak with him over the phone. He has a strong country accent with a distinct twang in his voice. We talked 15 or 20 minutes about religion and art and he told me that he'd cancelled church for a while because of the coronavirus, but was starting back up on August 16th. I told him I'd see him then. </p><p>We got there today and met his wife first. He was over at the building next door where he has some of his artwork on display. He saw us and hollered for us to come over. We talked and looked thru all of his paintings in there while he worked on hanging pictures of him and his wife. Then we walked over to the church and looked at his artwork in there. Then up the mountain to the cemetery where his great, great, great grandfather is buried. He lived to be 115. Jimmy told a story about when he died, his beard was 6 feet long, they stole his wife's rolling pin to roll his beard up and buried it with him. He also told us that he won a greased pig catching contest when he was 90. Jimmy also showed us a rock that had some carvings in it that he went to to pray before service every Sunday. Then we go back in for the service.</p><p>He starts his service at 1:00 pm. He told me the reason why, but I can't remember what it was. The service started out with a prayer and some singing. I didn't know most of the hymns they sang. There were a few standards like "I'll Fly Away" and "Amazing Grace" mixed in. There was no piano. Just people singing and some kids playing tambourines. Then they asked if anybody wanted to sing anything. One lady picked a few and sang them from her seat. Jimmy got up and sang a few, followed by his wife Pam. Pam has a beautiful voice that sounds more like it would be more at home in a blues club in Memphis than in a country church on the other side of the state. The message was done by the assistant pastor today and was followed up by Pastor Morrow giving a talk. <br /></p><p>After the service, we stood and talked to the members in attendance. When they all left, we did the business of purchasing a couple pieces of art. Jimmy Morrow is a man of stories and a great conversationalist. I read somewhere that he only has a 5th grade education, yet he is a highly intelligent man. The one thing that I heard him say over and over today was, "Be good to everybody." Maybe if all the churches would start preaching that message more often. Maybe if everybody would stop arguing and just do the simple act of being good to everybody. But instead of doing that, people would rather argue over his belief of handling snakes and point out their discrepancies with his doctrines. I read something the other day that read, "Hate is not a Christian value." I don't see a lot of love coming from Church folks anymore. People I grew up respecting have changed. </p><p>So anyway, to get back on topic, I plan on going back up to visit Jimmy Morrow in a couple of months when it gets cooler to see more of his art and just shoot the bull. I could listen to his stories for hours, and hope to! </p><p>Tonight as I sit here and reminisce about the day, I just think about all the trouble the world is in, and how one country preacher reminded me today of the answer to fix it. </p><p>Be Good to Everybody.</p><p>Be Good to Everybody.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sending love to everyone of you....</p><p>SamG</p>SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-82188661420967347942019-12-29T16:30:00.002-08:002019-12-29T16:30:30.418-08:00I cried today during a Star Wars movie... and more sentimental ramblingsI went and saw "Star Wars, The Rise of Skywalker" today. I'd been kinda putting it off for a couple days. Lorri and I sat there until the end of the closing credits. It was an attempt to hide the fact that I was crying. Some of it was that this storyline that I've been following for 40 years came to an end. That wasn't the real reason I was fighting off the tears though. <br />
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If you've been following me for any amount of time, you're already familiar with the story of my heart surgery in March of 2017. If not, there's a blog about it all on here somewhere, go find it, it's a good story. For the past several years before that I'd lived life not caring if I lived or died. That day though, I was riding in an ambulance on my way to have open heart surgery that I was told I likely wouldn't survive. As I laid there, I came up with two reasons that I wanted to live. I thought the Georgia Bulldogs would have a decent football team, and I'd like to see it. (They went on to play for the National Championship.) The other reason was that I'd like to see the end of the Star Wars movies. Today as I sat there in the dark watching those rolling credits, I thought of that ambulance ride. I thought about how thankful I was that God let me stay here on this Earth. I thought about how one of the only two reasons I could come up with for wanting to live for, was to see this movie. <br />
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Then my mind shifted to this decade ending in a few days. Seeing this movie today, in a sense, was kind of like the end of that era of my life. I've accomplished the things that I wanted to live for. The 2010's were a decade full of emotions and ups and downs. I think of the loved ones that passed away over the past 10 years. I really miss my Pop a lot. Friends like Wayne Storey, Craig Hicks, Brandon Rogers, and many others, I still think of often. I left Pike County after living there my whole life and moved 2 1/2 hours away on my own to chase a crazy dream. So many wonderful people have entered my life in the past 10 years. Some are still friends, while others were only meant to pass through.<br />
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That's enough about the past. That era has now ended. It is time to start anew. I can think of a lot more reasons to live for now. There are some beautiful, amazing people, in my life right now. This crazy dream of mine is starting to come true. I still have Perfect Hair for Television, (so if anybody is needing someone to be a movie star or host a gameshow or something... just holler!) I could go on and on about all the reasons, but I am definitely happy to be living. <br />
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Goals for the coming decade: <br />
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1. Show love and encouragement to as many people as I can. <br />
2. Right the wrongs I've done, and forgive those who wrong me.<br />
3. Have fun every single day.<br />
4. Keep doing things the way I want to do them.<br />
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2019 was a great year to be SamG. I'm lucky that I get to be that full-time. Thanks to all of you that have purchased my work, visited SamG Land, been a friend, prayed for me, or said a kind word. I love you all. May the coming decade be full of love, creativity, friendships, experiences and even more love!!!<br />
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Always remember, if you ever need a friend... you have one right here!!!<br />
I mean that.<br />
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SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-3819161258688463702019-05-05T19:39:00.000-07:002019-05-05T19:39:01.135-07:00Finding something lostI'm not real sure if it's the pressure of getting ready for my solo show this coming Saturday or not, but I feel like I've gotten back a part of me that's been gone for a while. Ever since my heart surgery, I feel like I've struggled to be creative. I like the art that I've been doing for the yard, but honestly haven't done much art for sale that I've liked a whole lot. Most of it was a redo of previous ideas. Lately though something has changed. <br /><br />I feel like my mind has awakened a bit. I was at a Santana concert a couple weeks ago. They performed "Imagine" by John Lennon. His wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, who is an amazing drummer, sang it. During the song, I got an idea for a painting. That hasn't happened in a long time. <br />
I've had several new ideas that I look forward to showing this coming weekend. New ideas, I've been struggling to get those back for a while now. I hope they keep coming. <br />
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I've been kinda missing doing shows lately. I miss seeing a lot of my friends out there. There just aren't any good local shows that I know of that are still around. I refuse to apply to a show where I have to pay a jury fee. If they want me they can invite me. I approached shows differently than a lot of people. My goal was for people to view me as the art, the stuff I made was souvenirs. You come meet me, take home something if you want and I tried to NEVER, no matter how broke I was, act like I needed the money. I miss being around people. I get my energy from people. <br />
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Today while I was switching out summer/winter clothes in my closet, I came across the Glow in the Dark jacket that I used to wear, but haven't in a couple of years. The other day I came across one of my original "Free Hugs" shirts and a couple pair of gold painted shoes. I put them back a while back for when I open the "SamG Land Museum of all things SamG." I kinda miss that guy that used to wear them. I've thought a lot about how he was probably the part of me that died when I had my heart incident. Maybe part of him needed to. <br />
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Anyways, who knows maybe I'll pull that Glow in the Dark jacket out and wear it sometime. And I'd have to wear the matching Glow in the Dark Gold Shoes. The world could always use more hugs too. Just wondering if maybe the future shouldn't start with where the past left off. Just have to wait and see.<br />
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SamG <br />
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<br />SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-75171937308568982282019-02-02T18:29:00.001-08:002019-02-02T18:29:50.574-08:00Funerals are good for bringing back memories... I went to a funeral today. It was for my mom's brother, Marion, but everybody knew him as "Speedy." I always liked Uncle Speedy. I would consider him and his brother, my Uncle Billy, as two of the best storytellers that I've ever heard. I stopped by my Grandfather's grave too while I was over there. He's buried beside GA 20 across from Philadelphia Baptist Church near Canton, GA in what was known as Buffington Community. The Air Force Thunderbirds flew over a couple of times while I was there, which I thought was pretty cool. <br />
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My grandfather had 19 kids. Only 3 of them are left now, Uncle Billy, Aunt Faye, and Aunt Donnie, but we all know her as Dunk. It was fun visiting everyone and hearing stories. Even got Uncle Billy on a roll and he told a couple. Here is one of my favorites... Papa Weaver (my grandpa) had made him a big batch of homebrew and had it bottled up and hid it all up under the front porch. Back then the preacher would come around and hold "Prayer Meeting" at different people's houses. All the neighboring folks would gather around the house where the preacher was meeting and they'd have a service. This one particular day, it was really hot. About the time the preacher got going good, they started hearing a POP POP POP noise. It was the homebrew blowing the corks out the bottle. </div>
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I'll tell you one more. Papa Weaver loved to pull a joke on somebody. I've heard countless tales about him doing that. Uncle Billy told the story about Papa teaching him how to ride a bull. The first time the bull threw him straight over his horn and down right in front of him. Papa told him to grab the bull by the tail and hold it over his shoulder. Billy said that time the bull just run slap through the fence with him. You would have to hear him tell it though. Nobody tells a story like Uncle Billy. </div>
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I used to love going to Uncle Speedy and Aunt Mary Ann's. She made the best Chicken and Dumplings ever. We were talking about that as I was eating some at Cracker Barrel this afternoon. I spent many holidays there with them. I loved to hear Uncle Speedy tell stories about when he was racing. I can still see that one toothed grin that he had. As a matter of fact, it was the subject of my first painting. </div>
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In November 2007, I painted my first painting. SamG #1. I've put a picture of it below. I'd taken an online career quiz that said that I should be an artist. Having never painted before, I bought some paints, brushes and a palette and dug through my shop and found a piece of plywood. Using the bed of my truck as my easel, I painted a picture of Uncle Speedy and his one tooth to give to my aunt Mary Ann for Christmas. When I went to sign it, I realized Sam G. was all I was gonna be able to fit there... and it just stuck. It got merged into one word a little bit later and became SamG. That's how this whole journey began.</div>
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Thanks for all the memories Uncle Speedy. You fought a good fight for the past 11 months, but now you are home.</div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-60114521697733637682018-12-20T08:47:00.001-08:002018-12-20T08:47:13.090-08:00Me blabbing a lot about being successful.... It's a cold and rainy day here in World Famous SamG Land. The past few weeks have been really busy. It is a perfect time to take some time off and rest. I have a few things to work on, but I don't have to be in any real hurry. I won't be in any hurry anyways. <br />
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I see a lot of my other artist friends working hard right up until the last day filling Christmas orders. Many are already talking about plans for the coming New Year. January and February are typically tough on artists with sales being low during those months. I'm hoping the best for all those as they work to build a reserve for the next couple of months. <br />
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I see a lot of posts on social media about "What it Takes to be a Successful Artist!" or similar inspirational topics. I used to read all of those stories, trying to learn what it takes to make it. I stopped a long time ago. I have my own opinion as to what it takes to be a "successful" artist, but for the sake of this post, I'll keep those to myself. <br />
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Most people view success differently than I do. I doubt few would think I was successful by looking at my bank account. I quit caring a long time ago about which galleries carried my work. I prefer not being in them honestly, unless they purchase my work and I don't have to keep up with what art is where. I have also cut back on doing shows, which in my opinion has helped more than hurt. When people do see me out somewhere, they know it's pretty rare so they seem more likely to buy my work. I also choose not to promote myself or do art shows in the region in which I live. I have seen that it isn't worth the effort anymore. There aren't many true "Art Events" here anyway. Most seem to be an event that is centered around something else... Wine, Music, or just a Big Party for example... and they need artists booth fees to help pay for it. <br />
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Why would I feel that I am "successful" at being an artist? I have fun. Since I took all the pressures off of myself of doing what everyone else thinks I need to do. I have fun. I said when I started making art, "If it ever becomes work, I'll quit." I've been close to quitting several times. I also feel like I'm successful as an artist because I have done it MY WAY. Just ask show promoters, I have told many over the years that "No that's not the way I'm going to do it." If they object, then i don't go. I also refuse to pay a jury fee. Demand that they pre-approve you. It works a lot more than you may think!!! I typically don't deal with people in the "Art Business." I've just learned better. I tell people NO... and often go into long ramblings and opinions of why I have said NO. NO is the most empowering word in the English Language. Use it more. I make whatever I want to make. Some like it, some don't. I don't care either way. The biggest reason I consider myself successful at being an artist??? I make people happy, or at least I do my best to. Money is always good to get.. but smiles are often the best payment ever!!! <br />
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So before anybody gets all judgemental and thinks I'm putting down the way you do things, I'm not. Work hard. Continue to set goals. Just don't use them as a measure of success. Success is perceived anyway. Change the way you look at it. In life, happiness is the greatest success. Don't be afraid to do it your way. <br />
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Or just tell everybody you are World Famous and fake it like i did... even convince yourself of it...<br />
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It's up to you.....<br />
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Merry Christmas from SamG Land!!!!!!<br />
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<br />SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-14076583463249655182018-10-16T21:27:00.001-07:002018-10-16T21:27:38.565-07:00Birthday thoughts, Big Dreams, and other misc. ramblingsWell I made another trip around the sun. I'm up to 48 of them now. I am thankful for every one of them and hope for many more. <br />
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What's been up with SamG, you ask? I've been busy doing a few shows. Felt good to be out in public again for a bit. Now I'm totally happy being a recluse again for a while. I'm working and getting ready for the Art Fandango here in December. I'm hoping to have a lot of additions and changes to SamG Land by then. It's going to be a big time Dec. 8-9. Me and Lorri will be here along with our guest artists Eric Legge, Michelle Humphreys, Fawne Derosia, Claire Vohman, and Kristin Davis. <br />
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Speaking of SamG Land. I've been doing a lot of dreaming lately. I was approached about buying the 5 acres next to us. I've come up with an idea with several phases. The first phase would be a weekly artist market. I also want to host 2 big art shows per year there. The next phases involve building a pavilion and adding cabins for artists who want to come stay. It would also be an ongoing art installation beginning Day 1. I moved up here 5 1/2 years ago because a group of people had a vision of turning this area into an "Arts Mecca." Things happened, opinions differed, things were said etc... and the vision sort of dissipated and people went their separate ways. Any hard feelings that I may have had are long gone.<br />
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I still have that vision though. It's a vision that I've had for a long time. I want to build something. I want to be a tourist attraction. I want to show the world my vision and what I can do. I've been tucked up in the woods right here long enough. I watched the promotional video for the "Outsiders" show that was pitched a couple of years ago and I don't recognize that guy anymore. Back then I was cocky and arrogant, over confident, loud and proud, and the Ultimate Ladies Man. I was in ways larger than life, or at least I told everyone I was. I kinda miss that guy. <br />
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A lot of people get their inspiration and draw energy from different things. Many artist friends of mine turn to nature, music, religion, or childhood memories for example. I draw all of my energy from people. I need people in my life. I live off of attention. I don't get much tucked up here in my own little world. It is time to open that world up to more people. <br />
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So, at this point, I'm looking for either an entrepreneur or a dumbass, whichever comes first. Talk about your dreams... see if they come true.... <br />
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Love to everyone of you<br />
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SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-69552560643842819032018-07-31T22:18:00.001-07:002018-07-31T22:18:18.729-07:00Dang It.... I accidentally grew upI've been trying to figure out what's been different about me lately. I think I've finally figured it out. Somehow, I accidentally let myself grow up a little. <div>
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I used to be an adult. I spent almost 10 years working for the Department of Juvenile Justice. I worked as a Correctional Officer and a Juvenile Probation Officer. I also worked at Delta Air Lines for a while and had a couple of self owned businesses. I also spent 5 years travelling around the country opening and remodeling stores for Advance Auto Parts. When I was 40, I had to have a kneecap replacement. Advance was fixing to screw me over, and I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be a kid. I wanted to see things through the eyes of a child again. I wanted to be amazed by everything. I wanted to live without much concern for consequences. I wanted to make every crazy idea and dream come true. Seven years later, it caught up with me. </div>
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I've written about my heart surgery before, so I won't get into that this time. I will say though, that going through an experience like that changes you. I have talked to several other friends that at some point in life "should've been dead." They all say one thing, it changes you. It certainly does.</div>
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Somewhere in the time since then I've become somewhat of a hermit, seldom drifting outside of SamG Land... I cut my show schedule back to several "Rare Public Appearances" and started looking at art as more of a hobby. </div>
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I recently watched the promo reel for the reality show they were trying to do about several of us Northeast Ga artists a couple of years ago. I hardly recognize the "way too overly confident, arrogant, fun loving, self centered SamG" from about 4 years ago. I missed him. Back then SamG was both extremes. I was extremely shy but very outgoing. I was cocky and arrogant but still humble. I was a real life living breathing paradox. Recently I came to the realization that I was now a "sick of the world and mankind in general hermit, with a bum heart and a lot of stagnant dreams." </div>
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What had changed? I thought about it for a long time. I had accidentally grown up some. My outlook on everything had changed. The past year had changed me enough that I wasn't the same kid anymore. People draw their strength and inspiration from different places. I know several who depend on nature. I get mine from people and from having an audience. I loved being an auctioneer and putting on a show. I felt like the P.T. Barnum of the Junk World. I never worried much if I made a lot of money, but did I put on a good show. It's why I wanted to do SamG Land... so people will come and I can put on a show. I miss my audience.</div>
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I've been working on getting rid of some of this adulthood that crept in. I still know what I want to be when I grow up... that is one thing that hasn't changed.</div>
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SamG Loves Every Dang One of You!!!! </div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-18415473729681104642018-05-12T22:52:00.000-07:002018-05-12T22:52:38.639-07:00Thinking about Mama... Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I'd like to wish all the ones out there a happy one. I'm sitting here tonight though, thinking about mine. July will be 20 years since she passed away. It doesn't seem that long ago. Time has a way of doing that. Passing by before you know it. I'm gonna spend a few moments reminiscing and sharing. <div>
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My mother's name was Ruby. I think she may have been one of the most loved people I've ever known. She knew everybody. She did her share of pouring out love too. I could write for days about the things she did to help people. </div>
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I was a "Mama's Boy." I'll never deny that. She spoiled me and every other woman I've known has had to live with that. I've been pretty fortunate to have women who spoil me throughout life, now that I think about it. </div>
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My mama loved fried chicken. That's kind of an understatement. She really loved fried chicken. I ate so much fried chicken growing up that when I got out on my own, I'd refuse to each chicken fried on the bone. Now since I've had the heart worked on, I can't eat it anymore anyway. </div>
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Nobody made better sweet tea than my mama. Don't try to argue with me on this. Tetley tea with two big scoops of sugar and whatever magic she put in it. I think we would go through 3 gallons a day. It's got caffeine in it. I couldn't drink it anymore either now. </div>
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Mama had her spot where she usually sat most of the time. It was the seat at the end of the kitchen table. Most times, that's where you would find her. If I tried to sneak in late, she'd be there waiting on me. If I ever needed someone to sit and talk to, that's where she would be too.</div>
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My mama had her own brand of wisdom. I never could get much by her. When I'd come home late, she could tell me who I'd been with, and where I'd been. I was a pretty good kid and never got into much trouble. One night, about a month or so before she passed, we were sitting there at the kitchen table and I started telling her everything I'd ever done that I did slip by her though. I think I told her about ever time I came home drunk and didn't get caught. I told her about the girl that I thought I had gotten pregnant. I told her everything. </div>
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Most every time I think back to my mama, I picture her sitting at that kitchen table. My mind always starts wishing I could sit there and have another one of those talks. I want that feeling of just knowing that someone loves you and is willing to listen. I want to hear some of that advice that only she could give. Over all these years there have been many times that I needed to sit there, but I can't. </div>
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Twenty years later... i still miss sitting with you at that kitchen table. </div>
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Happy Mother's Day Maw...</div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-48027648282717917242018-03-08T22:07:00.001-08:002018-03-08T22:07:23.475-08:00I'm gonna build it..... and i don't give a damn if they come or notFive days from now, on Tuesday March 13th, I'll be celebrating the one year anniversary of my heart surgery. A lot of things have changed since then. I was forced to give up smoking, drinking, fried chicken, coffee with caffeine in it, collard greens, broccoli, salt, and if I hadn't given up bad women a couple of years ago I'd probably had to have given them up too. Writing this list I thought about an old friend of mine, Wayne Storey. Wayne always talked about his favorite hobbies were drinking beer, shooting pool, and chasing women. The doctor told Wayne he was going to have to slow down. He decided he was gonna give up shooting pool. He was one of the best friends I ever had. I miss him. <br />
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I've changed a lot in the past year. Going through something like that seems to change most people that I've talked to. For several years, I have been concerned about leaving a legacy. Now I could really care less. Sure I hope I leave something behind that maybe inspires someone and that maybe some of my good deeds will continue to help others in some way. I just don't really think of it much anymore. I just want to do whatever is fun. I try to spend a couple hours a day doing something in SamG Land. I have cut way back on making art that is for sale. It isn't much fun anymore. Making stuff for SamG Land, that I will get to enjoy is what is fun for me right now. <br />
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I still have a love/hate relationship with these mountains. If I had it all to do over again, I'd probably never done it. Other than meeting a handful of people that will be life long friends, not much good has come of it. That's why I spend so much time making my own world to enjoy. My attitude has become, "I'm going to build it, and I don't give a damn whether they come or not." Lorri has been very good to me. She's done more for me than I honestly deserve. I'm thankful for that. Maybe I should move to Ohio. Most of the visitors I get here are from Ohio. I used to ship a lot of art to Ohio too. I don't want to go to Ohio, it's too cold. <br />
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The past is the past though, and the present is where your ass is. The incident last year with my heart surgery makes me think about "What If I didn't make it?" I've pretty much decided that I want to be cremated and flushed down the toilet at South of the Border. I decided on the whole "flushing" thing a while back... so people can have the opportunity to keep shitting on me, if they choose. The location recently changed though. The original location was to be Flying J Truck Stop in Jackson, Ga. At least South of the Border is the most magical place on Earth that is basically a truck stop. Lorri has said she won't flush me, so somebody else has to do that part. <br />
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I also decided that I want SamG Land torn down. I am still in the beginning stages of it, considering I've only been working on it a little over a year. Most of that year, I was recovering from open heart surgery. But whatever it becomes, I want it gone. I enjoy traveling to art environments. Pasaquan is my favorite place ever. It seems like most art environments go into a state of disrepair after the artist is gone. The person that everyone considered crazy who spent his life building his vision becomes the town hero. I really don't want to leave a burden for anyone to keep up. The biggest thing though, I really don't want to leave anything here for the local people to claim. I always said that I am the art, the paintings and stuff I made were just souvenirs. Love me while I'm here!!!<br />
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I've always done things the hard way. I have a hard time trusting people. I see deeper into people than most, and feel like I know someone's intent. I can be hard to get along with too from a business standpoint. I've been approached several times over the years by agents wanting to sign me up and promote me. I always tell them to figure out how to make some money and come back and we'll figure out how to split it. I hadn't heard back from one of them yet. I had one lady once wanting to promote me, she said that she could have me where I was so famous that I would be showing my art in London and Italy. I told her that I was looking for somebody that would make me famous enough that them sumbitches would come over here. I also refuse to deal with galleries or dealers, unless they buy my art outright. I had several galleries early on screw me over. I also have a hard time with people trying to tell me what I can't do. <br />
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At this point in life, I am not going to do very many shows. I have no real desire to do much of anything local, other than the Fandangos at SamG Land. Healthwise, I don't trust myself to try to do anything by myself. I have good days and bad days and still need a lot of help some of the time. I've been narrowing down my show schedule the couple of years and calling them "Rare Public Appearances." Those are going to become even more rare. <br />
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As I think back to the events of March 13, 2017 I'm still humbled, and thankful for all the love and prayers and kind thoughts that so many poured out upon me. I cry when I think about it. I am now as I write about it. Looking toward the coming anniversary, my mind has been a whirlwind of random thoughts. Still searching for my purpose in this world..... I figure God let me live.... He will show me why......<br />
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Love to each and every one of you..... SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-85347822216679860412017-11-02T21:31:00.001-07:002017-11-02T21:31:22.212-07:0010 years of SamG... how it all started, and what's up nowLooking back to ten years ago this month to November 2007. I was not real happily married and out of work. I had been laid off from work and couldn't find a job anywhere. One particular evening, my wife was fussing at me (it was a favorite hobby of hers, i think) about me not having a job. In these days of having to apply online for everything, I got on the computer and started applying for all the jobs I'd already applied for several times. I was really just killing time trying to get an angry wife off my back. A little box popped up on the screen, "Find the Perfect Career for You!!!" All I was doing was wasting time anyway, so I clicked on it and started filling out a quiz. The quiz was pretty long and took about 45 minutes to complete. Forty five minutes of quiet was pretty sweet. The results came in... "You should be an artist!" <div>
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I laughed. I can't even draw. I began to joke about it and tell people that I was going to become an artist. A couple of weeks later, my wife bought me some paints, brushes, and a palette for my birthday. It was about a month late. We were too broke when my birthday came around to do anything. </div>
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I knew nothing about painting. I had never done it before. I can't even draw. I found a piece of scrap wood in the barn and painted my Uncle Speedy and his one tooth on it. It was to be a gift to my aunt Mary Ann for Christmas. When I got finished I went to sign it. I started to paint my name on it and ran out of room after SamG. I've been SamG ever since. Several years later, the World Famous was added. I was reading about Andy Warhol. Before anyone knew who he was, he would send in people ahead of him to announce he was coming. He wasn't famous at the time, but nobody knew any different. So I figured if I told people I was famous and they believed me, then in their mind, I was famous. </div>
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In a previous life, I'd been in the antique business and would still buy and resale out of my house. People would come to the house to buy from me and they started seeing my paintings and wanted to buy them. Everything was $20, no matter what it was. I started numbering my art starting with that first painting I did of my Uncle Speedy. I still have #2 and #3, and was recently able to buy back #7. </div>
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About a year later, I got divorced. I'd gotten rehired by the auto parts company and was back to travelling every other week. I left the auto parts company in 2011 after my knee surgery. I began doing my art full time. I tried to make a career out of it, but always keeping the attitude that if it ever became work, I'd quit. As I exposed myself more to the art world and met other artists, I saw a new world with people that I understood. People who were like me. I'd found where I belonged. I gave out a lot of Free Hugs.</div>
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I moved a lot. A lot. I wound up in Northeast Georgia in 2013. The worst financial decision I ever made. I'd have left here if I could have afforded to. I still have a love/hate relationship with these mountains. That's another story for another time. </div>
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Currently, I'm not doing many shows anymore. Still recuperating from my heart incident back in March. I have been working on SamG Land. That will be an ongoing continuous project. I'm back to making some art (i'm up to #2074). I try to spend 3-4 hours per day in the studio. I've been in a real creative slump the past couple of weeks. I'll get it back soon. </div>
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The past 10 years have been up and down. I've had some really good adventures and made some really good friends. I also had a lot of great opportunities that just didn't work out for some reason or another. I'm not going to complain though. It's been a lot of fun. Since my heart incident, my perspective on life has changed a whole lot. My goal now is to live and have fun. While art has always been my "happy fun-time." Nowadays, life is even more focused on having fun.</div>
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Thanks everyone for 10 years of support and all the love you've given me.</div>
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SamG loves ya back.</div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-36535608090355103232017-10-16T19:17:00.002-07:002017-10-16T19:21:29.814-07:00The one about almost dying... Today I celebrated my 47th birthday. I have never really liked my birthday in the past. I'd always get in some kind of weird funk and get depressed from my birthday all the way through Christmas. This time I've actually been thankful for my birthday for the first time in quite a while.<br />
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I have told the story many times since it happened but have yet to write anything about it in detail. Some of the facts may not be accurate, but I'm going to tell you the story as I remember it. On March 13th, I was working in my studio and came up to the house to drink a cup of coffee, smoke a cigarette (the last one I'll ever smoke), and to use the bathroom. I had done my business and was fixing to start on the paperwork. I heard something in my chest pop. It sounded like the cork gun I played with as a child. It felt like someone reached into my chest, grabbed a handful of stuff, and twisted it. I remember everything getting blurry and going black. My first thought was, "I ain't gonna die on the shitter like Elvis." I began to pray a simple prayer, "God help me. Please help me." I didn't know what was going on. I kinda had an idea that it was heart related but figured it wasn't too serious. I almost laid down to see if it would get any better. My eyesight was getting worse. I decided that I wanted to try to get in touch with Lorri at work. I was in pain but I was able to tolerate it. I was walking around with my arm fully extended trying to see my phone to call. I called her every few minutes for almost an hour and a half. I finally was able to find her daughter's number. They work at the same place. I called her and told her I was in pretty bad shape and to have Lorri call me. A few minutes later, she called. I told her what happened and she came home to take me to the hospital. When she got here I was pacing back and forth across the porch. I got in the car and we left for the hospital in Demorest. Upon arriving, I got Lorri to let me out at the door while she parked and I walked in by myself.<br />
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I was greeted by the lady at the desk and told her I was having chest pains and I couldn't see. From there things started happening pretty fast. I remember them checking my blood pressure and it was extremely low on my left side. The doctor asked me if I'd ever been told I had a heart murmur. I told him No. He had them check the blood pressure in my other arm and there was a significant difference. He ordered a CAT scan with dye. He stood there watching the whole time. As soon as I was finished, they rolled me back into the exam room. It seemed like only a matter of seconds before the doctor came in. I remember him telling me that I had a dissected aorta and that my aorta was leaking. An ambulance was on it's way to take me to Gainesville for emergency open heart surgery. I don't remember the words, but he pretty much gave me a good idea as to the severity and possibility that I wouldn't make it. I called my brother Tim and told him what was going on. I made a facebook post asking people for prayer for me, posted a picture, then turned my phone off and handed it to Lorri. The ambulance came and I was loaded up. I started talking to the guy riding in the back with me. I remember him telling me about his father had some heart complications and how good the care was that he had received at the hospital. I remember asking him to pray for me. He said that he would. I did have a little fear, but mostly I was at peace. I remember thinking I didn't want to die because I didn't want to miss football season or the last two Star Wars movies. I thought about wanting to celebrate another birthday.<br />
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I arrive by ambulance at Northeast Ga Medical Center and as soon as the doors open, I'm greeted by the surgical team. Dr. Winston introduces himself and we joke with each other as we are going through the emergency room into the operating room. I remember rolling into the operating room. I was given anesthesia pretty quick. During the time I was under anesthesia, I had the vision that I was floating in yellow water. There were bright lights shining thru the water. I could see other people floating as well. We were all connected to this giant nerve network that I figure was what was keeping us all alive. I heard someone call my name, Mr. Granger. There was an intense feeling of water rushing over my face, as if being pulled through the water. I knew I was going somewhere. Where was I going? Was I alive or dead? Am I going to heaven? I heard my name again. I woke up to the sound of one of the nurses calling my name, Mr. Granger. There were monitors and hoses and tubes everywhere. I was alive!!!! I remember my brothers coming in there. I remember Lorri coming in a little later. I'm so thankful for her and everything she did during all of that. She made so many things so much easier for me. I don't remember much for several days. I remember there were really cute nurses in Intensive Care but I was in no shape to flirt with them. I do remember so many doctors and nurses telling me that I had no idea how lucky I was to be here. That I should have died within minutes. Telling me that God had something in store for me because I shouldn't be here. Telling me that I'm a miracle. I felt like some sort of medical celebrity for a while.<br />
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Over the next several days, I started learning more about what I'd gone through. A ruptured aortic aneurysm and had been given an artificial aortic valve. I started realizing the love and prayers and an amazing outpouring of love heaped on me by so many people. I still cry when i think about it. I'd like to thank everyone for those prayers, they worked! Over the next several months, many shared with me the stories about what they were doing during the time I was in surgery. Many prayed, some performed spiritual ceremonies, and several admitted to me that they were bracing themselves to hear the news of my death. I also had quite a few tell me they thought I was pulling some sort of joke.<br />
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So I sit here on the night of my 47th birthday thinking back to that ambulance ride and the reasons I came up with for living at that time. I celebrated my birthday today with Carvel Ice Cream Cake (i've always wanted one). The Dawgs are currently 7-0. The next Star Wars movie comes out in two months. Looking forward to living some more. Love you all so much.<br />
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<br />SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-64357963949049555052016-12-26T22:00:00.003-08:002016-12-26T22:00:58.383-08:00A Year in the life.... and another one around the corner... Less than a week left in 2016. I'll be glad to see it over. It's been a year of loss for many people. Many of the people who influenced my early life have passed on. I've lost friends due to both death, and life. Some I will miss greatly, some not so much. <br />
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This past year has caused so much turmoil for many. It seems that I see a world more full of hatred than at any point in my lifetime. The newsman was talking about terrorism on television a couple of days ago. He was talking about how violence and fear is the "new normal" that we must learn to accept. It saddens me that we are being told to learn to accept hate. <br />
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Once at an art show, a lady came into my booth and was looking at my art. As she walked away, she looked at me and told me that I was a "Living Paradox of Love and Sarcasm." I've used that description many times over the years. I think it describes me rather well. <br />
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What do I want for 2017? I want to keep being me. I want to be that same asshole, that you've all come to know and love. I want to continue to make art without allowing myself to put filters on it so that it fits into someone else's ideals. I know that I don't get invited to things sometimes because people are afraid someone may be offended. I often get reminder emails from show coordinators that they are a family friendly event, and to please choose carefully the art I display. That always makes me smile. I've also burned some bridges, and have no regrets about doing so. I want to find new people to show love too, and share more love than ever. I want to work on building "World Famous SamG Land!!!"<br />
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I'm totally up in the air about how to show my art. I have absolutely no plans of showing my art locally, except for events I have here. I moved here because it was one of my better markets, but as soon as I was local, it for the most part dried up. Some of those burnt bridges are to blame for that as well. During my recent Grand Opening, over 90% of the people who visited were not locals. Even had one friend drive down from Ohio to be here. <br />
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Part of me wants to hit the road and do shows way outside of my normal areas, but part of me wants to become a recluse and make people come to me. I hope to figure out a decent balance of the two, but don't expect me to do as many shows as I've done in previous years. You'll be much better off making your plans to visit SamG Land, if you want to see me. <br />
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with bunches of love.....<br />
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SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-18571599267819621692016-11-23T21:15:00.001-08:002016-11-23T21:15:28.400-08:00Happy Thanksgiving.... I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I have been hard at work on my biggest creation yet. 3 1/2 acres of World Famous SamG Land. Having a home show here on Dec 10-11 that will be the Official Grand Opening. Hope everyone comes out and sees all the hard work I've done and get a better understanding of my vision and what I hope to accomplish with i<br />
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Thanksgiving as a holiday, at this point in my life, has become nothing more than bumming a really good meal off of someone. For many, it is merely a way of energizing themselves to prepare themselves to fight at WalMart over discounted toaster ovens. We want to call ourselves thankful, but honestly, are we? <br />
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I could go on and list everything I am thankful for. I'm not though. Hopefully the people I'm thankful for, truly know. One thing though that I am truly thankful for is my imagination. I've always had that. This week marks 9 years since I took an online career quiz that said that I should be an artist and I did my first painting. I've taken breaks from art temporarily over the past 9 years due mostly to life circumstances, but it has been my one true love. I feel like I'm just getting started, or at least starting over. Whatever I'm doing, I'm going to do it big!!!<br />
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Moral of Today's Lesson: Don't surround yourself with people who can help you, surround yourself with people who won't hurt you.<br />
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Peace, Love, and The World's Largest Grit<br />
SamG<br />
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<br />SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-77525346958161862622016-08-14T22:58:00.002-07:002016-08-14T22:58:57.428-07:00Random Banter from a Sleep Deprived FoolI haven't been creating much lately, so I thought I would do some writing. Writing is something that I enjoy, but don't do nearly as much as I should. I prefer my art as my way of expression. I've been thinking about art and some of the decisions I've made pertaining to the business end of art. That is the part I don't care for. I don't show my art locally much anymore. People in Northeast GA seem to think that having an art show is a good way of paying for a big party or a wine festival. I've made enemies for taking a stand for art and have lost some friendships. I will never regret being the one who says what everyone else is scared to, even if I know I'm on my own. <br />
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Now to the subject of art, I just spent a solid two weeks work on what I think may be my best piece yet. I won't be unveiling it for a couple of months, but I really believe it's something special. Now I have to get to work on show inventory for the coming months. Time to step out into your world and hopefully introduce people to mine. <br />
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People tell me that my world is too weird. Your world is a weird place to me now. Looking at something that may open my world up to more people. More on that at another time. <br />
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I was talking to a friend the other day. The topic was politics and how people have become so hate filled. Out of that discussion came this thought, that I'll end with...<br />
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"Just keep being a light until either Jesus or the Mother Ship comes"<br />
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Art, Love, Perfect TV Hair<br />
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SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-16910584401725304392016-01-31T20:10:00.002-08:002016-01-31T20:10:46.390-08:00Happy Anniversary to My Bionic Knee..... and me!!!! Five years ago today, I had my partial knee replacement. I don't remember what the actual procedure was called, but they sawed off the back of my knee cap, replaced it with a plastic piece and screwed some titanium onto my leg bone for it all to ride against. There are some pretty good stories about my hospital stay and the recovery thereafter. One of the best involves cops, a broken taillight, an expired tag, a dead dog, and a reasonable amount of alcohol. I'll save that story for another day. I want to talk about how that surgery altered my life course this time. <br />
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I had spent the previous five years working for an Auto Parts company travelling setting up and remodeling stores. It was a job that I really enjoyed. I worked a week, off a week. The week that I was working, I could be anywhere in the country. I've been many places that I would never have gotten to go if it had not been for that job. Even got to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on company time when we were in Cleveland, OH once. <br />
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I've had problems with my knees since I was in High School. A car accident in 1989 didn't help them any. I'd had two previous orthroscopic surgeries. Now it was time for the major one. During my recovery I was out of work for four months. I'd been making art for a couple of years by that time. Art became a major part of my therapy, mainly because of my limited mobility, and to occupy and give me an outlet for my mind.<br />
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I'd become aware of changes being made at work while I was out. Had pretty much found out that I was going to be laid off shorty upon returning to work. So I made the decision not to go back to work, and make an attempt to become a full-time artist. I won't say that I chose art as a career, I think that takes the meaning and feel away from the art. Art to me is a way of life, a lifestyle. I refuse to look at it as a job. <br />
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So i guess today marks the anniversary of the day that I became a full time artist. I think I made a good decision. It's been tough at times, but I wouldn't trade the freedoms and the opportunities I've had for anything in this world. I am surprised every time someone tells me they are jealous of me for being able to live my dream doing what I want. <br />
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I'm ready to make more changes though. I must have Gypsy blood in me somewhere. Seems like it's about time to head off on another adventure, in a different direction somewhere. SamG Spreading Love and Letting People Marvel at Perfect Television Hair World Tour!!!! <br />
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I always try to end these things with some kind of moral: so this post's moral is.... "Don't do dumb shit."SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-77577266984900113032015-12-31T13:01:00.001-08:002015-12-31T13:01:31.728-08:00Random Year End Bantering of a Crazy FoolThinking about a New Year, I've read some of my previous posts in regards to such things. We always go into new things with optimism. Seldom do we make any changes though. I'm not going to go into all the stuff that happened in 2015. I could tell about all the bad things that happened, but I won't. I do want to talk about some good stuff though. <div>
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I want to thank everyone for "Kind Words." A kind word is a little drop of love that you can give someone just by saying something nice. A kind word can be a source of strength, comfort, encouragement, or support. I have received kind words from many over the past year. They have meant a lot to me.</div>
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I'd like to mention "Love" as well. It's difficult many times to see love in our current world. Just reading the thoughts and ideas of your "friends" on social media, it is easy to see much more hatred than love. One of the things I said many times back when I was doing the "Free Hug" thing, "There ain't much love left in the world, my job is to do a little something about it." It is everyone's job. </div>
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I'd like to also talk about friendships. Friendships are a constantly evolving thing. Some will be friends for life, while others are just for a season. I've made many wonderful friends during the past year, and lost some as well. Some I lost due to death, others I lost due to the drama that is life. I wish everyone of them well. </div>
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I had some accomplishments this year that I'm proud of. I don't want to talk about them either. I will say that the disappointments outweigh them for me though. </div>
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So basically, I haven't said much at all. I haven't promised to make any changes. I don't want to even try to imagine what the future holds. I've been chasing a dream for a long time. It hasn't come true yet. I don't know that it ever will. </div>
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I remember seeing people wearing shirts and hats that would read, "Kill them all, Let God Sort Them Out!!!" Earlier i had a vision of a sign that read that. Someone had painted an X over the word Kill. and had written above it... "LOVE." </div>
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Love them All, and Let God Sort them Out!!! </div>
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Be love to one another, and turn off the tv, and be happy until the world explodes.....</div>
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Happy New Year</div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-13788420659543047752015-11-10T22:23:00.001-08:002015-11-10T22:24:11.526-08:00Hopes, Dreams, and the World's Largest GritI was looking through my Facebook Memories earlier today and came across a post from 4 years ago that read, "i have an idea for an art thing and need a big huge rock... anybody got one or know where i can get one?" That post started my idea for a major tourist attraction and the fiberglass well cover rock was transformed into "The World's Largest Grit." I took it to a few shows with me, even had it at the Doo-Nanny one year. Then when me and my exgirlfriend split up, I thought I'd left it behind her house. Two years ago, on my birthday, I discovered it under my brother's barn where I'd lived briefly. I brought it home to the mountains and although it is need of restoration, i proudly displayed it on my front porch. When I moved earlier this year, it went into storage with all of my other worldly possessions where it remains. <br />
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My original vision for "The World's Largest Grit" was a major tourist attraction. Every good Southerner across the galaxy would have to come see it for themselves. Over the years, the dream has grown much bigger. Since I began doing art in November of 2007, I've dreamed of doing an art environment. I want to create a home, a studio, and my own world. I've long said that I want to be a tourist attraction. Also as part of it, I'd like to have a place where other artists could stay and participate in development as well as create and sell their own work. <br />
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Not only would it be the new permanent home for the World's Largest Grit, it would also be the location for my Magic Hippy Circus, and the World's Greatest Imaginary Amusement Park, which is also currently stored in an empty box inside my storage building. <br />
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I have the property picked out. When I first drove by it, I saw it completed as "World Famous SamG Land." I already know from my vision how it is supposed to look, I just have to make the transformation happen. There are currently about 75,000 reasons that I can't make it happen. I tell people about my idea and they all tell me I should set up a GoFundMe account. I tell them if you want to support it, then buy my art. I don't want anyone to give me anything. <br />
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So at this point I'm still looking for a dumbass or an entrepreneur. I always get those two words mixed up. Until this crazy dream of mine comes true, I'm going to keep chasing it......<br />
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Art, Love, Perfect TV hair..........SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-88232633612994642062015-09-27T21:12:00.002-07:002015-09-27T21:12:23.521-07:00A Little Rambling about ValueI sit to write tonight thinking about the word, value. Value is a diverse word with many meanings such as monetary worth, price, the things we treasure such as friendships, and our personal belief system. It can also be defined as our worth to other people. How do other people value you? How do you value yourself? <div>
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Due to the fact that I'm pretty much self centered. I'll be talking about myself once again. If you know me at all, you are quite aware that I hold myself in high regard. I have a dream that I'm chasing and will continue to do so until I leave this earth. I am on a journey that I will not deviate from at any cost. I value that dream immensely. Nothing or no one will stop me. I also value myself as a decent person. I have my many faults that most will point out rather quickly if you ask around, but I do try to help and be an encouragement to others whenever I can. I also know from my own experiences, that the hardest thing to find when you need one is a friend. I'll be that friend for anyone, whenever they need one. </div>
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The hard part of life is finding people who value you in return. They may value you, except in different ways than you value yourself. As I've wandered through the galaxy lost, valuing myself as an artist, it seems that many of the people closest to me value me more for my other skills. The fact that when I'm broke, I'm a halfway decent cheap handyman, for instance. Many also value me for the fact that I'm capable of heavy lifting. Few of those close to me value me for what I am, and what I love, and that is art. </div>
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I'm not going to go into art, and it's value. The monetary value of art is so different to many people. One person may tell you it's not worth the price and her kid can make one for free, while another may say you should be asking more. I rarely have prices on my work. The monetary value of art to me isn't important, although I would like to be compensated as well as I can, like anyone else who works. Many times, my prices are set by how much I feel my work is valued by the customer. </div>
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I've told this story many times. I was at a show several years ago in Chattanooga, TN. A very well dressed couple came into my booth. It was apparent that they were rather wealthy. The gentleman in particular was rather rude, his wife didn't get to speak much. She liked one of my paintings, and had her husband ask the price. I wanted $100 for the painting, but tacked on a $50 asshole surcharge, just for him and told him $150. He comes back with "I'll give you $75." I said, "No sir, it's $150." While I was talking to them, a young girl comes in my booth telling me how much she loves my art, and asks the price on the same piece. I also tell her $150. She looks sad, and says she wishes that she could afford it, because it was well worth $150. I looked at her and told her that she could have it. She tried to say she couldn't accept it, but i insisted. The gentleman standing there in disbelief, says "I was going to give you $75 for that!!!" I looked him in the eye, and said, "No hell you weren't either!!!" The girl thanked me for the painting and I gave her a hug and she left excited. The man and his wife were still standing there. As he started to rant, I cut him off. I told him that she valued my art, and thought it was worth the price that I was asking. He only thought it was worth half of my asking price. Had i sold it to him, he would have walked away thinking he had pulled one over on me. I told him, the biggest difference is..... she's happy and going home with a painting that she will hopefully treasure... and you're going home with a mad wife!!! As they walked away, she turned and smiled and gave me a wink and a thumbs up.... that was payment enough!!! </div>
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Focus on people who value you, and what you want to be valued for... the rest of them will just want you to lift heavy shit. </div>
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Art... Love... Perfect TV Hair</div>
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-30902509473164171172015-09-06T19:13:00.000-07:002015-09-06T19:13:39.387-07:00Life Lessons and The Real WorldWell, looking at the last blog post, I haven't posted anything here since December 2013. I'm not going to use this as a catch-up post, that's for sure. About the only thing that hasn't changed since then is my hair, I last had it cut December 23, 2013. It's longer now than it ever has been, and still perfect for television. <br />
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As I sit to write, I have no idea where this is going to go, or how it will end. I believe it will probably be very random and likely make very little sense. My art studio is packed up in storage as I make yet another life transition, so my friend Jeanne encouraged me to start back writing. I used to do a lot of writing when I was much younger. Those are in a blue notebook along with a lot of personal drawings. I've told several people that when I'm gone, to find it and they'll learn a lot about what really made me, and the demons I've fought most of my life. <br />
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Speaking of life, I've learned many lessons so far. Hope the years of my life are long and I am given the opportunity to learn many more. Here in no particular order, or no particular reason, I will share some of them with you. <br />
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If you want to learn what someone really thinks of you, disagree with them on something. <br />
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Every woman will tell you that you will never do any better.<br />
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Chocolate Peanut Butter flavored beer tastes nothing like a Reese's Cup. <br />
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Your religious friends will pray for you, your heathen friends will show up and help you.<br />
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Overly positive people are usually fake. <br />
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Don't ever eat an octopus or a squid again. <br />
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Show love to everybody, and treasure the love you get back. <br />
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Humans are doodoo heads.<br />
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You're only a circumstance or two from being one of the unfortunate ones most look down upon. <br />
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I've been stuck in the real world for a while now, I don't like it here. I much prefer my land of imagination, love and bright colors. I was at a show recently, had a young kid ask me a strange question about a painting. "Where were you when you painted this?" I quickly told him that I was floating around in outer space. He looked at me seriously, and asked "Can you really float around outer space?" I told him that in our minds is a thing called an imagination. Using my imagination, I most certainly was floating around in outer space. This real world right now is full of hate, bitterness, and tension. I'm ready to go back to where I belong. SamG's Imaginary Amusement Park is back and open for business, free imaginary rides for everyone. Just follow the imaginary signs.<br />
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Thanks for reading...<br />
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Art... Love.... Perfect TV Hair...<br />
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SamG<br />
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<br />SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-55487084266077396192013-12-30T10:10:00.001-08:002013-12-30T10:10:17.463-08:002013... A year of making changes, taking chances, My New Year's Resolution for 2013 was to "Make Changes, Take Chances, and Shine Brightly." I think I may not have shined as brightly as I'd hoped, but it was largely in part to accomplishing the first two objectives. I've made a lot of changes this year. I relocated to the Northeast GA mountains, I basically left my hometown and everything familiar to continue chasing this crazy dream I have. It has definitely had it's struggles, but thanks to God and great friends I've managed to make it through it. Thanks to everyone for their support!<br />
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It's been a tough year as an artist. The economy combined with the large amount of rain that washed out many of the shows made it tough for most everyone I know. I'm looking at taking a new direction with my art. I'm thinking I will probably not do as many shows this coming year. I'm seriously burned out on them. Want to focus more on doing better quality art, rather than a higher quantity needed to do shows on a regular basis. Right now I'm taking some much needed time off, will start back making art in the next couple of weeks. <br />
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Many of my close friends know some of the things that I've gone through in the past year. I'm not going into those right now. I've been at some of the lowest points in my life during the past year. Where I'm sitting right this second, I don't think I could be any happier. <br />
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My thoughts right now are something along these lines.... Life is a ride, you can either keep your eyes forward toward your destination, you can look out the window and enjoy the scenery as it passes you by, or you can roll that window down and stick your head out and really experience it... but you can also make stops along the way and enjoy it.... <br />
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Thanks everybody for your support of SamG during the past year... 2014 is going to be magical.. I can feel it!!!!! <br />
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Happy New Year Everyone..... Peace, Love, and Give Somebody a FREE HUG!!!! <br />
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SamG SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-88034417226134232662013-12-19T11:27:00.001-08:002013-12-19T11:27:38.192-08:00Bah Humbug!!!!I'll admit, I'm not much of a fan of Christmas. I haven't been for quite a long time. I usually go through a period of depression from my birthday in October until after January 1. No real explanation for it, it just happens. I spent last Christmas alone, sick, drinking MD 20/20. It's the best cold medicine in the world. And several years ago, I had the "molesucker" experience that has become a SamG Classic. I do have some good memories of Christmas though. When my mom was living, there was always a great dinner. I got some really great toys, many of which i still have. I only wish Stretch Armstrong had been more durable, but seeing the purple stuff oozing out of him was pretty cool too. <br />
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Christmas is also that one time of year when you have to see those members of your family that you really don't like. That's enough to spoil anything, for me. It far outweighs getting to see the ones you do like. Christmas music gets on my nerves too. I like Christmas songs, but i guess when it's played continuously nonstop, I can't take it. <br />
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There are some things that I really like about Christmas. Here's a quick list: Fudge.<br />
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But seriously, I'm looking forward to the holidays, this year. Spending them somewhere new, with someone new. 2013 sucked. This year has pretty much seen me at the lowest point of my life. I've been through a lot since the first of the year. I'm liking the way it's ending though. I'm curious to see what the future holds. <br />
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As for my art, I'm not sure what direction I'm going to take. I'm tired of doing shows. Think I'm definitely going to slow down and do a limited schedule next year. Will most definitely be taking some time off after my open house this weekend. I'll analyze it after then. But first, I'm ready to enjoy the holidays for a change!!! <br />
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Merry Christmas from SamGSamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-34929337393062384302013-10-14T19:32:00.002-07:002013-10-14T19:32:30.161-07:00Well I outlived Elvis, even though he ain't dead.... Sitting here pondering my upcoming birthday in a couple of days. I don't like birthdays, haven't for many years. I'm happy to see each one of them come though. I'll be celebrating 43 in 2 days. So that means I outlived Elvis, even though I don't think he is dead. Birthdays are the time I reflect the past year, there have been a lot of things happen since I failed to show for my birthday party last year. Not the first time I've done that either. <br />
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I've been through a lot and made a lot of changes. Finally realized that nothing was going to change unless I made some. So I ended a long up and down relationship and moved to the mountains. I wanted to be around creative people and people who appreciated art. I found both and so much more. What I found is the most eclectic group of people you can imagine, welcoming new comers with open arms and showing love to all. I have strengthened relationships with many fellow artist friends and have met and made friendships with other artists that I didn't previously know. I'm very thankful to be where I am now. I have found the place in the world where I belong. <br />
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It's had it's challenges though. I've been a full time artist for almost 3 years. It was much easier financially when I wasn't alone. The heavy amounts of rain this spring and summer made it difficult for myself and many other artists to make a living. I've taken on a part time job to help pay the bills. I'm thankful that God always provided what I needed, just in time. I'm very thankful to him for a lot of things. <br />
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I went through a pretty rough period of depression. I felt like my spirit had been broken. I had no desire to make art or do much of anything else. God and great friends got me through it. I still don't feel like i've regained my art magic though. I'm happy with most of the work that i've done, but productivity has really slowed down a lot. I'm ready to get my magic back, rebuild my confidence in myself, refocus on my art and be all the SamG that I can be. I have goals and dreams. An old wise junkman once said, "Dreamers have a way of making them come true." I plan on doing just that... and I have some pretty big dreams!!!!<br />
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Looking forward to 43 and all it will bring. I'm thinking it's going to be something special.<br />
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I also want to pay my respects to Carter Wellborn, who passed away today. Want to thank Peter Loose for taking me along for a visit about a month ago to meet him, along with Eric Legge and Kip Ramey. We spent several hours there that afternoon. Most people viewed Carter as a mentally challenged artist. What I saw was a pure genius. A man completely innocent from the world around him. A man who lived in a world in which he did not belong, who had suffered his whole life because of it. He was happy nonetheless. <br />
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047367419385460942.post-31397555024575332282013-07-21T21:18:00.002-07:002013-07-21T21:18:32.177-07:00The Mountains Shall Bring Peace to the People.... Just wrapped up my first one-man show yesterday at The Creative Alternative in Macon, GA. Would like to thank Brooks Dantzler for hosting it and allowing me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. Love ya Mama D!!!! I'm talking to someone too about another gallery show too. I'll let you know the details on that as soon as I get it figured out. <br />
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Been making a lot of changes to my life lately. I left the drama of the old hometown and headed to the Northeast GA Mountains. I wanted to find a place where I could be around creative people, people who appreciated art, and to find peace within myself. So far, I have a good start at achieving all three. If I could only slow down enough to enjoy it. <br />
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This year has definitely had it's challenges. Along with the hassle and expenses of moving, there hasn't been much cooperation from the weather. Rain has made it much more difficult for artists like myself who make a living doing art shows. Luckily, I have met several new customers since I relocated that have really helped to ease the burden. God's been helping a whole lot too. I've really been amazed at the prayers he's answered. <br />
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As far as art goes, I'm just now getting back into the groove of it. I feel a little bit of a shift in style coming, and have been really wanting to get away from some of the crazy stuff for a while and do more of my memory paintings. I have a lot of those old family memories that I want to share before they are lost. <br />
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As far as Me is going, I'm tired. I'm ready to rest some and slow the pace down just a little bit. I've done a lot of 2 show weekends lately. I still feel like i'm spinning through life lost with little or no direction. On a journey but running around in circles at the moment. I have a feeling a lot of that is fixing to change though, excited to see how much. Hopefully one day I'll remember to ask how to pronounce her last name. <br />
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SamG Folk Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206792871216233242noreply@blogger.com2