SAMMI OHLSON

I am a queer Chicago based artist, originally from Massachusetts. I mainly use oil paints, and occasionally collage. My work is a visual narrative that is shown through the lens of surrealism in color and realism in proportion. 
By grounding my subjects in the familiarity of anatomical human bodies and faces, I invite viewers to project themselves into the art. I borrow from the subconscious to create an image that is dreamlike. This intentional blending of surrealism and realism is not only as an artistic technique but also as a metaphor for the complexity of the human experience.
As a member of the queer community, my art is informed by my identity. I am often exploring themes of love and struggle. Being an art teacher in Chicago has deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of art education. My experiences in the classroom shape the way I approach my own artistic practice, as I am constantly the innocence and curiosity of a preschooler in the art room. There is so much importance in fostering creativity, self-expression, and a sense of community among my students