We were lucky to catch up with Tamar Samplonius recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamar, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally. As a child, when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my consistent answer was “something creative!” While I didn’t have a clear idea of exactly what that meant at the time, creativity was always at the core of my dreams.

My creative journey began with simple crafts I did with my mom, using cardboard boxes, paper, paint, and whatever materials we could get our hands on. Over the years, my interests evolved, and I explored various artistic outlets, from creating jewelry and dreamcatchers to delving into woodworking. In fact, I was so passionate about working with my hands and bringing my ideas to life that I even decided to leave high school to pursue a woodworking study.

During my woodworking studies, I had the opportunity to experiment with different materials and techniques. It was during this time that I discovered macrame as part of an assignment. The tactile nature of knotting and the possibilities it offered really resonated with me. Years later, I find myself still fascinated by this art form, and I haven’t stopped knotting since that initial exploration!

The decision to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally has always been driven by the urge to make things and express myself through my work. It’s a journey that started in childhood and has evolved into a lifelong commitment to the world of art, where I continue to explore and push the boundaries of my creativity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Tamar Samplonius and I’m a 22-year-old Fiber Artist based in The Netherlands. I create large-scale fiber art using various techniques like macrame and weaving. I primarily work on commission, collaborating with clients to design pieces that enhance and reflect the individuality of their spaces. Additionally, I offer pre-made pieces where I can freely incorporate all my creative ideas. In the beginning of 2023, I released a new collection called KNITKNOTS. This collection features XL knot art pieces which, as the name suggests, are made out of knitted ropes! This collection marked a significant shift, it made me think about ways to expand my art using techniques other than macrame, which I had been focused on previously.

Along with being an artist, I’m also a perfectionist and this has a significant influence on my work. There are definitely difficulties associated with this trait, but it also motivates me to continually refine my work, seeking perfection in each piece. It has heightened my standards and sets my work apart.

One aspect I take pride in is the global reach of my work. It’s truly humbling to see my art find homes in projects worldwide. The fact that people from different corners of the globe appreciate and integrate my creations into their homes is beyond anything I could have imagined.

For potential clients, I want them to be confident that I am dedicated to creating pieces of the highest quality, specifically tailored to their spaces. I use the highest quality of materials available, prioritizing natural options whenever possible. It’s important to me that clients know they can trust in the quality and thoughtfulness put into every piece I create for them.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I touched on this earlier, but delving deeper into my practice, a significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is connected to my perfectionism. While it undeniably brings positive impacts to my work, the line between its advantages and difficulties can be quite delicate.

On one hand, it motivates me to consistently produce high-quality work, pushing creative boundaries. However, the difficulties arise when the pursuit of perfection becomes all-consuming. It’s easy to lose sight of the balance, and this can lead to a range of challenges.

One of the primary struggles is the potential for creative paralysis. As a perfectionist, I often find myself overthinking, envisioning countless ways a new idea might not be perfect. This mental obstacle can be so overwhelming that it might prevent me from even starting on a project. It’s a delicate dance to acknowledge the desire for perfection while preventing it from becoming a barrier to creative exploration.

I am actively working on finding a healthy balance, learning to accept imperfections, embracing the idea that not every piece needs to be flawless. It’s about understanding that each creation is a journey, a learning experience, and sometimes the beauty lies in the unexpected nuances that imperfections bring to a piece.

Not every piece needs to be perfect.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the ability to transform my own ideas, but also the unique visions of my clients into reality and, in the process, create something beautiful.

What adds an extra layer of joy to this experience is the realization that others resonate with and appreciate my work. The cherry on top is when individuals express their admiration for my creations and want to integrate them into their homes. Knowing that my art has found a place in someone else’s life, bringing beauty and perhaps a sense of connection, is immensely gratifying. It transforms the act of creation into a shared experience, fostering a connection between the art and those who appreciate it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tamarsamplonius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarsamplonius/