Sammy Tapp

My Practice 

The freedom that results from a process of spontaneity fuels my practice, in which my attraction to the properties of oil paint explores a juxtaposition of experiences. Referring to the practicalities of the creative process, both questioning and adhering to the traditions of painting, my work is constrained only by the past experiences of painting which ensures my work constantly develops from the last. Within my practice colour presents itself as an opportunity of infinite outcomes and combinations, which is enhanced by experimentation with the application of paint to the chosen surface. Such an exploration plays against the interactions of objects within a space, using the viscosity of oil paint to focus on an international lack of perfection.

 By referencing subconscious influences from life in my paintings, my practice forms as an opportunity for a consolidation of the experience of living with and within interior spaces. This influence forms from an interest in the interaction of everyday objects, which inspires the creation of half-imagined spaces, falling between the notions of reality and illusion. While maintaining spontaneity through making, I aim to balance impulsive decision making with thoughtful actions, while also disrupting the visual expectations of a painting to explore the possibilities of the creative process as well as the experience of the painting once it is complete. 


Qualifications

BA Hons Fine Art 

First Class Honours 

June 2020

Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich, Norfolk.


UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Distinction

June 2017

Sussex Coast College, Hastings, East Sussex.

Exhibitions 

2019

January

The Bedroom, Project space 3, Norwich University of the Arts. 

April

The Inconvenience Store, Studio 20, Norwich. 

December

The Big F, Project space 3, Norwich University of the Arts. 

Residencies 

High House Graduate Residency. 

July 2021.





Scholarships 

New York Studio School of Painting Drawing and Sculpture. Drawing Marathon Scholarship winner. 

June 2017.

Awards 

Norfolk Contemporary Arts Society Award shortlisting. 

 October 2020

Vice Chancellor's Award NUA. 

 October 2020


Publications 

Storehouse Issue 20

Reality and Illusion 

Imagined Reality 



Using Format