A self Portrait of Jan Sam
The Afro News Vancouver
When Jan Vincent Sam, 27, launched his website to showcase a unique series of portraits last week, he couldn’t have imagined the immediate response a handful of Facebook postings would lead to. “It’s been great,” says the new and emerging versatile artist of the viral buzz his website has already generated, “all my friends have been very supportive by sharing the link, it seems like a lot of people are starting to hear about it.”
And more people likely will in the coming weeks as they discover that Jan Sam Art isn’t just another online gallery where they can browse for watercolour landscapes and pastel florals. Rather, Sam’s new electronic venture will cater to those who like their artwork a little more on the contemporary and custom made side.
The website features examples of Sam’s unique and interpretive digital-style portraits which are hand drawn and rendered utilizing computer software, as well as his one of a kind originals. The public will be able to submit photographs of themselves online from which Sam will create his own high spirited, multi layered hand drawn digital versions. The final product will result in a reasonably priced $100 12×16 print ready to be framed and displayed in your own home gallery.
“Launching this website has given me a unique opportunity not only to showcase and create these drawings,” Jan says, “but also to give back to the community; Covenant House in particular. They were there for me when I was struggling and I feel privileged to be able to help support them now in my own small way.”
Sam, who will donate a portion of his digital portrait proceeds to Covenant House Vancouver, is also a musician & songwriter and has experienced a number of soul searching events since moving to Vancouver from Kelowna, B.C. in 2003. He lived on the streets as a busker, challenged himself spiritually, and came to terms with his First Nations heritage, all the while drawing people’s faces with sketch pad in hand.
“Drawing people has always been a source of inspiration for me,” Sam explains, “ever since I was little I’ve noticed faces. Our faces are as unique as we are as individuals. Like photography captures the essence of a moment, I like to capture the essence of a person – their spirit.” Even in the digital realm. For more information on Jan Sam and his art check out: www.jansamart.com
