As a child, I saw the world through charcoal and tri-x, through shape, line, and scale, not yet understanding the added dimension of color. Beyond that gray reality, I discovered a palette that captures attention and focuses emotion. I emphasize color, while still making use of years of composition studies, not only for sheer aesthetic beauty, but also to draw one in and about a work. Color, or lack of it, sets a mood, can shock or satiate, or remain even through closed eyelids. When I choose not to use color, or to mute it, it is intentionally executed to emphasize this distinction.
I can image the heavy sullen of a dripped azure, the subtle shyness of fading burnt umber hues, the anxiety of cadmium red-orange cut by lines. I represent the colors as I see them, in photography as well as painting with the passion of life and urgency to change that light gives them. I believe that in my forms and, most of all, in confrontational subject matter, colors are the first noticed element, though not alone, imploring an immediate reaction and then a later lingering thought.
In addition, in some of my recent paintings, I try to incorporate reflective materials -silver paint, mirrors, tin foil, glass- as a kind of alternative to color. It is a form of invitation for an observer- an invitation to enter the image itself. Somehow the border between a painting and its environment are being erased.My photography has an unconcerned abandon of that all focused technology that makes a science of steady emotionless objects. My work explores the emotions, and, in much the same way as my paintings, incorporates the use of color, texture, and of course, the subject itself, to make a fervent impression and a lasting impact.
Below is my current resume

Samm Cohen
samm@sammcohen.com

Awards & Exhibitions

"Flatbush Artist Studio Tour", 1408 Ditmas Ave-Brooklyn, NY
"Women Move Through It", 160- 2 North 4th Street- Brooklyn, NY
"Juda ho ka bki tu maja ya ati ha", Tribeca Community School- New York, NY
"Talent in Motion Magazine Party", Manta- New York, NY
"Exploration", with the Glassbead Collective, New York, NY
"Eclipse: The Hidden Light" Caladian Gallery- online exhibition
"Square Foot Show", Art Gotham, New York, NY
"Dream Art" sponsoed by NYU- New York, NY
"Heroine", Weave- Sacramento, Ca
"Free Fall", Bottomfeeders Gallery- New York, NY
"Beauty and the Id", Persephone Gallery- Brooklyn, NY
"The Great Unknown", Brooklyn Artist's Gym- Brooklyn, NY
"Nurturing the New 05", Small Works Salon benefit gala at Spike Gallery-New York, NY
"Utopia", Glassbead Collective at The Funhouse -New York, NY
Talent in Motion Magazine Art Reception- New York, NY
"Altered Image", A Taste of Art- New York, NY
"WOOD", Grand Central- Bklyn, NY
"The Eye of The Camera", Wardnasse- New York, NY
"Greed", Kaufman Acade by A Taste of Art- New York, NY
"Riverfund NY Benefit", Wardnasse- New York, NY
"Pop Music and Art", The Artist Space- New York, NY
Solo Exhibition, The Williamsburg Publik House- Bklyn, NY
42nd Street Window Painting Performance "Samm with Brush", Chashama Theater- New York, NY
Chashama Gallery Solo Exhibit-New York, NY
Art for Healing Benefit at John Barrys Restaurant- New York, NY
"Great Photos of Modern Rock and Roll", Arlenes Grocery- New York, NY
Solo show at the 169- New York, NY
Side by Side, Slideshow and Reading-Jersey City, NJ
"Small Works", Holiday Art For Healing Showcase-New York, New York
"Artist Choice", Wardnasse Chelsea- New York, NY
"Glass and Vision", Moda Cafe- Brooklyn, NY
"The Spirit of Human Form", Art For Healing Gallery- New York "
"LadyfestEast2002" by Ladyfest and Pratt Institute - Brooklyn,NY
"Rebuilding Hope One Block at a Time", SVA Art Therapy Dept- New York, NY
"Faces", Supercore Cafe-Brooklyn,NY
Two WoMan Show Exhibit Webster Hall -New York, NY
Solo Exhibition at Dusk Gallery - Jersey City, NJ
"Fallen In", Fall Cafè - Brooklyn, NY
"Self Portrait In The Age of Color", Yama Gallery - New York, NY
Black Star - New York, NY
two"Summer Salon"s, "Art From The Heart",WardNasse - New York, NY
Ruby Gallery - Brooklyn, NY

Finalist in competition: FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING at www.atleier-rc.com.
Juried exhibition at Caladan Gallery at www.caladiangallery.com
American Advertising Federation
Silver Addy 1998 for Blue
Finalist Addy 1997 Man and Hat

Article, Artwork and Poetry in online art magazine Heyoka Magazine
Full Page Published Poem/Painting + bio and photos in Talent in Motion Magazine VII
Profile Article and photographs in Trigger Magazine
Photographs of the scene published in Rockgrl and Metal Maidens
Editoral by Samm Cohen in Wasted Zine
CMYK Magazine (#20 Winter 1998) published Crayon

Experience

2002-present
artist and teacher for various organizations
experienced art therapist

2000 - 2001
Lee Amrani Jeweler and Appraiser
New York, NY
Jewelerís Apprentice

Create and work Cameo and stone bezels and in precious metals

1998 - Present Freelance
New York, NY
Photographerís Assistant

Support all aspects of studio and location photography

1998 - 1999 Westside Color Lab

New York, NY
Customer Service and Lab Assistant
Assist customers and operate film processing equipment

1998
Gaíton Kibbutz near Haifa, Israel
Volunteer
Jewelry, agricultural, and paper products manufacturing worker

Education

2004-2006 New York University
New York, NY
Art Therapy Masters

1996 - 1998 Portfolio Center
Atlanta, GA
Photography Concentration

1992 - 1996 Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Creative Advertising, B.A.

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Magna Cum Laude (3.72 GPA)
Psychology Minor

1988 - 1992 LaGuardia HS of the Arts
Fine Arts Major
New York, NY

Senior Show Exhibition Selectee
Semi-Annual Exhibitions

References Available Upon Request