Sam Christian Creates Diaphanous Dreams
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Sam Christian types a dream. photo by Carolyn Lewis. [/caption]
Arts reporting by Carolyn Lewis
As we shared our dreams around a table, Sam Christian typed them out on a vintage typewriter, creating art that will become part of their ongoing Dream Makers installation at Centrum.
Through Dream Sessions, participants are invited to share their aspirations, fostering connections and envisioning a better world. The quilt celebrates the power of dreaming together and the laughter, learning, and collective creativity it inspires.
Christian spoke about their work and their home studio in Richmond VA, where they are known as a dynamic artist, storyteller, and educator. They use their art to explore themes of permission, dreams, and the intersection of Black and queer experiences. They say their home studio is alive with a blend of hard and soft practices, inspired mornings, and a commitment to nurturing both creative integrity and community care.
Christian says they begin most days early—around 6 a.m.—finding inspiration in the quiet morning hours. The artistic flow governs the day, with moments of experimentation, reading, idea-jotting, and diving into processes.
Christian's work gravitates towards themes of permission and dreams—both sleeping and waking—emphasizing the importance of voicing aspirations. The colors red and blue recur in their creations, evoking veins, patriotism, harmony, layering, and childhood memories. Each piece of work embodies a story, resonating deeply with both individual and collective experiences.
Recently, they have focused on hard materials like plexiglass, wood, and clay, which require mathematical precision. Simultaneously, soft practices such as quilting, writing, and weaving allow Christian to prototype freely. As a teacher, part of the day is devoted to guiding others, whether threading a sewing machine, planning workshops, or picking up materials. It’s a rhythm of picking up and putting down, constantly embracing creativity in motion.
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The High & Mighty Dream Quilt at Centrum. Photo by Carolyn Lewis. [/caption]
Christian defines their artistic style as collaborative storytelling, rooted in improvisational quilting—a tradition passed down by their grandmother, Loretta. While their practice has expanded to include ceramics, woodworking, and performance, it remains anchored in improvisation and history. As Christian puts it, "My style reflects who I am and who I am becoming, constantly evolving alongside my skills."
For Christian, success transcends accolades and fame. "Success is waking up to create work that tells everyday stories, earning trust, and nurturing friendships over shared meals and conversations. It’s the joy of evolving and expanding—success feels like home,"Christian said.
One of Christian’s standout projects, "The High & Mighty Dream Quilt," now has portions on display at Centrum through April 28, exemplifying their collaborative approach to storytelling. This series of sheer quilt panels, adorned with flowers, gold leaf, and community-contributed dreams, began in 2020. It served as a vessel for hope during uncertain times.
They echo the belief that "specificity creates universality," inviting audiences to relate and understand by telling authentic stories. Their art challenges exclusionary constructs, like the American Dream, and emphasizes Black and queer joy.
Community is the cornerstone of Sam’s artistic practice. From gifted fabrics to collaborations with fellow artists, their work thrives on the support and care of others. The Centrum residency came at a pivotal moment in their career, offering a balance of structured time and free space. They say it has been a breath of fresh air, surrounded by water, agency, and genuine connection with like-minded individuals.
Christian’s show at Centrum is open until April 25, inviting visitors to explore their intricate, community-driven artistry. To learn more about Centrum visit www.centrum.org
To learn more about Sam and their work, follow them on Instagram @sam_christ21 or at https://www.highandmightyco.com/
Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder happily living and volunteering in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group on Facebook at Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @linalewisart
