"MIKIMOTO" Collage

SAMUEL FLEMING LEWIS ARTIST STATEMENT

I am an American artist best known for my abstract mixed media works on paper, collage works on canvas, and blind contour portrait drawings.

The foundation of my work is collage. Incorporating my drawing or drafting methods with recycled printed materials, graphic design, and African art, I create collages. My collage pieces unite geometric shapes, abstracted forms, repetition, color, and patterns. I'm currently producing archival-quality digital monoprints by reinventing my collage, painting, and drawing works with new colors and compositions.

My abstract representations of what I see or feel in my mind's eye are my blind contour portraits. I have complete freedom to create abstract portraits thanks to the drawing technique. While studying faces on images or African masks, I use graphite pencil, ink, oil-stick, or acrylic markers. I also utilize my face or body as a model by touching it while drawing.

I want the handmade quality of my collages and drawings to attract the interest of viewers. As an artist, I produce vibrant graphic compositions that allow viewers to drift into the realm of artistic expression. Some of my works subtly
raises awareness of prejudice, injustice, racial bias, homophobia, human rights, and other concerns while simultaneously being visually appealing.