SAM MELÉNDEZ

Sam Melendez combines his love for all things vintage and bright colors from his home, Puerto Rico, in his work. Evidence of his process is an integral component of his paintings, creating an authentic personal narrative alongside the subject he depicts. For this reason, the grit that charcoal marks leave behind and the notes he makes while sketching the pieces are important to the final compositions. "I love the combination of the raw, black and white of the charcoal and bare canvas contrasted with the super bright colors I work with." Sam's piece "Autumn" was featured in St. Louis Magazine as one of 6 works by St. Louis artists that Design STL's edit team would like to display at home. Sam currently lives and works in St. Louis.