We were lucky to catch up with Allegra Samp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allegra , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Honestly, yes. I think about it all the time. But the reality of the situation is, even if/when I had a “regular job” I would still be making my own work regardless. I don’t see a world where I do not make work. So I might as well pursue it as a career if I’m going to be doing it no matter what jobs I have or are working on to pay the bills.
I often wonder if life is easier for people who aren’t artists. The idea of clocking in and out of work, and then being able to just hang or do whatever and not have a constant pull/need/guilt to be in the studio sounds freeing, but it also sounds boring as f*ck.
I love being an artist, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a fine artist based in Los Angeles, CA. My work consists primarily of freehand machine embroidery, painting, and the occasional fiber study. I take inspiration from my surroundings and pop culture of my childhood, focusing on childhood emblems, favored locations, and the intertwined, winding, flat roads of Los Angeles; my birth place and current residence. I am fascinated by the wealth disparity in California, my personal sentimentality’s merge with pop-culture, and the femininity of thread versus the masculinity of painting.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Non-artist’s do not understand how time consuming making art is, especially embroidery. Heck, even artist’s don’t understand how time consuming embroidery is!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I do not understand them, nor do I want to.
I believe art is supposed to be tangible and seen in person; the best work looks better in real life and the worst work looks better in photos. NFT’s feel like an unsustainable fad that is going to fade out soon, but who am I to judge? Maybe I’m just anti-future.
Digital art gives me the willies.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allegrasamp.com
• Instagram: @a11egra