Born in Santos, Brazil, Samantha da Silva has lived a life filled with moving boxes and address changes. At age 10, her family immigrated to Canada, setting off a chain of relocations that would see her move 40 times. She ultimately made Utah her home in 2018. “There has been a lot of movement in my life that influences my work quite a bit,” da Silva says. “A sense of home does not come from brick and mortar for me; it comes from the act of painting. So, wherever I am in the world, I can paint and be immersed in my environment, gathering materials from my surroundings and infusing them into the work.”

Her work invites viewers to consider the profound impact of their environments on their own identities, serving as a bridge between places and connecting her audience to the diverse landscapes that have shaped her life. Each piece is an invitation to explore, reflect, and find grounding amid constant change.
Da Silva’s large-scale, painting-like relief sculptures feature rough and smooth surfaces and brilliant and opaque elements—evocative of eroded landscapes, time-weathered walls, and topographical maps.

“I use acrylic [paint] and a lot of mixed media,” she says, “like plaster mixed with red Utah sand that I collect from my hikes to salt from the Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats.” Her sculptures are both visually arresting and emotionally resonant, offering viewers a glimpse into her process of making sense of her world. 

One of da Silva’s most unique contributions to the art world is a fusion of fashion and fine art. Inspired by the shoes she wore in her studio, she created the Collector’s Birkenstocks, a limited edition of 10 hand-painted footwear pieces. This idea was born when Gallery Mar owner Maren Mullin visited da Silva’s studio and noticed the artist’s creatively adorned boots. The hand-painted footwear quickly became a sought-after piece of art, merging functionality with artistic expression.

“Samantha lights up the gallery when she stops by with fresh pieces, and her artwork brings joy and serenity to our clients,” says Mullin. “Many of her collectors have multiple pieces, which is a testament to her career growth and ability to adapt and summon new creative energy. We are always delighted to install her artwork in our collector’s homes and are honored to represent this authentic and enlightened woman’s art.”

Following the success of the Birkenstocks, da Silva expanded her repertoire with custom-designed UGGs in the winter of 2023. A new collection of sheepskin boots—making a triumphant return to Gallery Mar in February 2024—promises to feature fresh designs and innovative techniques.

“I strive to recalibrate my compass regularly, ensuring that my art serves as a tool for personal transformation and growth,” says da Silva, whose work was recently featured on the Bravo television network. “My goal is to inspire others to find their purpose through creativity, blending aesthetic appeal with functional sensibility. Overall, it’s been a powerful catalyst for growth and exploration in my creative process; a community of artistic exploration.”

To see Samantha da Silva’s work or to inquire about her exhibitions, visit samanthadasilva.com or stop by Gallery Mar (436 Main St, 435-649-3001).