Samantha Thompson

Samantha Thompson was born in Sydney, by American parents, and now resides in rural Victoria. Growing up, she was surrounded by strong female role models, with three sisters and a mother working in the art and design industries and a businessman father in the bridal industry. This environment fostered a love of art and business, with a hunger for learning that transcends past the art industries to the world around her. Combined with constant support, this ensured a smooth transition to a career in the creative industry which has spanned twenty years. 
It is as a direct result of this environment that Samantha’s work is not relegated to one particular media. Instead, she chooses to work with oils, pastels, inks, printmaking, textiles and even Perspex in a bid to complete her works. Her art is contemporary in style, and features a strong feminine theme. This is expressed in vibrant colours with big splashes of playfulness and freedom. 
She’d be drawing with sticks in the sand if she had nothing else. It's a compulsive drive, a freeflowing tool for self-expression that represents both her personality and unique life perspective. Over many years, she’s been able to build relationships with many chosen tools. It doesn’t matter the media; she uses whatever she can to relate to the world around her. 
A love of life and all it has to offer is evident in the philosophy that Samantha operates within. When not working on her own pieces, she conducts workshops from her studio. Working with small groups, she seeks to inspire emerging artists, and give them the confidence they need to work freely and without barriers. The formation of The Bop Arts Co-op in early 2016 is the further culmination of this ideal. 
Samantha’s latest works are those in her Floral POP series. She currently exhibits in a range of galleries Internationally and works from her home studio in Lethbridge, Victoria.