Samuel Kim, known as artist ‘Sam Absurd’, has recently completed a bright sea-themed mural at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
Sam said the mural took three days to create and was inspired by the aquatic environment.
Q: How long have you been doing this for?
A: I have been creating large scale murals for over 10 years, continuously honing my style and skill set to transform spaces and bring fresh energy to public spaces.
Q: How did you create such an extravagant artwork?
A: This new mural at Waves was a collaborative concept derived together with the team at Waves to represent Australia’s ocean life and the facility’s connection to the water and health.
Q: What inspires you?
A: I get most of my inspiration from nature and natural phenomena as well as concepts such as duality to influence my style of work.
Q: How did you move from small scale artworks to large murals?
A: Since a young age I have always drawn and made things with my hands and as I entered high school, I was introduced to Graffiti Art which drastically impacted my direction as an artist today. Through mentorship and practice I have honed my abilities and techniques to transfer smaller designs and ideas onto large-scale surfaces of all shapes and sizes.
Q: You have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, how does this help you when working on an art piece?
A: The study of Mathematics has greatly assisted my ability to see structures and shapes in a different light, to pay attention to proportions as well as logically understand specific concepts and techniques used to produce certain effects. In addition to this, it has also helped me break down and understand lighting, shadows, and perspective from a physics/mathematical vantage point.
Q: Tell us about your work with young people?
A: I have experience as a youth worker, mentor, and workshop facilitator, working alongside high school students and disadvantaged young people. I strive to collaborate and work together to help assist those who wish to sharpen their skills in this rare medium and to help promote and educate the new generations about the origins of Graffiti Art and its connection to Hip Hop culture and public art.
Q: What is the project that you feel most proud of?
A: To me, the bigger the surface, the better! I have a strong passion for public art as it is free for the entire community to enjoy as well as attracting tourists from outside the local area. My favourite projects to date would have to be my mural on Main Street in Blacktown, which tells the story of Hip Hop in Australia, a few large projects in Perth WA, having works installed at Macquarie University and of course my recent work at WAVES!
Q: Anything else you would like to say?
A: Big thank you to The Hills Shire Council for their ongoing support and trust in my work and practice as well as the team at the new WAVES facility for being so hospitable and welcoming!