Painter Sam

My scars define me.

I wasn’t born with them. I earned them at 9 months old when I barely survived bacterial meningitis.

For a long time, I tried to hide them.
The younger version of me did everything she could not to be seen.

But people looked anyway.
They stared. They wondered. And I felt every bit of it.

So I had a choice.

I could spend my life being something people stare at… Or become someone they learn from.

My scars, my missing fingers, my limp…
they’re not separate from me.

They are me. And at 50, I’m not hiding anymore.

If you’ve ever felt “different” or tried to shrink yourself to make others comfortable… I see you.

You don’t have to hide either.

🐾 Still can’t believe I met a little rescue baby in NYC with half a foot… And he ended up being my favorite part of starting my day.

is incredible. We’re so grateful their compassion (especially for special needs puppies) led me straight to my foot twin soulmate.

Summit is 4 months old, full of bouncy puppy joy and has absolutely zero limitations… Well, except the long staircase. But we’re confident he’ll conquer that too.

Here’s to 3 paws and finding the ones who match you in the most unexpected ways.

Oh my is turning into quite the photo guy! No edits.

I used to hide my hands, embarrassed by how the world saw me. But sharing my story taught me something amazing: What once felt like a difference became my greatest strength.

Art became my healing. And I learned that healing often begins when we stop trying to erase the parts of ourselves that make us unique.

To every person learning to embrace what once made you hide: You are seen. You are celebrated.

Meet Luca, a handsome rescued pup from Brooklyn, NYC. 16x20 gouache acrylic on wood.

Want art? Dog art for the holidays— Everything is too expensive. Ask me for a coupon!

mix?

Remembering our Jonas today. October 7 will always be the day that changed our story forever.

Much love to the many families who have felt this kind of loss. And endless gratitude to those who have one of my butterflies. Thank you for giving me a platform to give back in his honor.

I am forever grateful for the courage and strength this journey has given me and for the many ways it changed my path forever.

🦋

Grateful beyond words that you enjoy my work, stick around for my random life stories and I get to use my art to create awareness for incredible organizations like MyFace.org

Meet my NYC skyline painting. This piece was painted live at Chelsea Piers and donated for raffle— An honor to give back while creating.

I’m blessed to make art with these hands, even more blessed to spark connection and impact, and forever grateful for my family’s support along the way.

Turn creativity into purpose. 💙

There’s this myth that artists — especially women — are constantly inspired, fearless and ready to create at any moment. But the truth is, courage comes and goes. Even the most groundbreaking women throughout history faced doubt, hesitation and fear.

It’s okay to not always feel brave enough to make art. That doesn’t make you less of an artist — It makes you human.

This Women’s History Month, let’s honor the women who created through fear, self-doubt and uncertainty.

Sometimes, the most courageous act is simply showing up for yourself.