An Art Saint: The Artist Who Rose from Depths of Hell With Faith In His Pocket
// June 9th, 2010 // View Comments // b-loud
b-uncut is proud to introduce you to Samuel Toussaint from our online artist network. Samuel was brought up in a working class, Christian family. By the age of 12 he was busking in the West End of London and by 20 he was homeless.
“I have moved around the English countryside and have been involved in the squatting, travelling and illegal rave scene. Throughout this time I have been involved with various theatres, community spaces, gatherings, art studios and projects. I now live and work in London with a group of artists who go by the name of Sage. I also teach art voluntarily to the homeless at my local church.”
Samuel’s work is deep and thoughtful, bearing the deep scars of a childhood caught between a faith in God who he loved with the hypocrisy of abusive behaviour to him from Christian caregivers.
“Here lies an imaginary landscape, a bridge between two worlds where I explore my own private mythological world. Death and the ability to change or not change are recurrent themes.”
What was your very first artwork?
I can’t remember at what age I first began painting. I was drawing and painting as a child. It is one of the first things that I can remember doing. I remember doing paintings when I was at nursery school.
Describe the piece you love the most—why?
At the moment I would say that it is the one that I have just finished, a painting entitled ‘My Beating Heart’. It’s like I ripped out my heart and threw it at the canvas. That is how much my art means to me. I like it because it is fresh and new and it combines everything that I have learnt so far in my journey into one piece.
What are your methods? Your inspirations?
I work with pen, paint, collage and computer software to create my unique style. I am inspired by my own internal universe and the ancient and contemporary world. My greatest influences are Leonardo DaVinci, Paul Klee and Marcel Duchamp.
What did it take to make it to where you are now?
A lot of pain and suffering, trial and tribulation and rejection. Losing my pride, my ego and my self confidence. Abuse, both self-abuse and that forced upon me by other people, homelessness, drug addiction, several complete break-downs, getting housed and getting clean. Returning to my belief in our saviour, Jesus Christ.
Do you make a living from your artwork?
I wouldn’t say that I make a living out of my artwork, no. I work part-time as a project designer because I do not make enough money from my art to live comfortably. I make enough from my artwork to keep me going and it adds somewhat to my income.
Who has helped you along the way?
There have been many sign-posts on the road. Most of them pointing in the wrong direction. The women in my life, my friends and my enemies. The teachers who, noticing my unique talent, encouraged and nurtured me. All the artists, writers, musicians etc. who create work of such exceptional quality. But most of all God.
What 5 artists (dead or alive) would you invite for the ultimate dinner party?
Well of course, the three artists that I have just previously mentioned and to that list I would add Pablo Picasso and Yoko Ono.
Your favourite curse?
Fuck!
Your biggest (albeit endearing) flaw?
Procrastination
Qualities a woman needs to seduce you and the flaws that will repel you?
Self-confidence and a free-thinking mind; Shallowness.
Your parents advice you should have followed, but didn’t?
All of it and none of it!
Your idea of the perfect weekend?
Spending the whole weekend in bed with my latest girlfriend.
Who would you chose to rule the world?
The one who created it.
Favorite ice-cream?
Ben and Jerry’s cookie and dough.
Where do you see yourself in…..
One month? painting!
One Year? painting!
One Decade? painting!
