Steffanie Samuels uses her art to shine a light on the urgent issue of climate change. A graduate of the University of Michigan, her artistic career began in ceramic sculpture, where she garnered multiple awards for her skill and creativity. Over time, though, Samuels’ focus shifted to a broader mission—addressing environmental concerns. Transitioning into abstract environmental art, she turned her artistic practice into a platform for activism. For Samuels, art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a vehicle for sparking conversation and action on the pressing issues of climate degradation.
Samuels departs from her usual environmental themes, offering a portrait that draws the viewer into a more intimate dialogue. The detailed brushwork in this piece reflects the precision and control she honed during her years working with ceramics. This portrait, though seemingly separate from her climate-focused works, subtly echoes the connection between humans and their environment. The attention to form and expression in this piece underscores Samuels’ versatility as an artist, able to engage with both personal and global subjects.
Her piece, Climate Migrants, dives into the harsh realities faced by those displaced due to climate-related disasters. This mixed-media work, measuring 18 inches by 22 inches, evokes a sense of chaos and upheaval. The layered materials mimic the fragmented experiences of individuals forced to leave their homes, creating an emotional tension that resonates with viewers. Through color and texture, Samuels conveys the deep impact of climate migration, urging reflection on the global consequences of environmental neglect. The piece transcends mere visual appeal, delivering a poignant message about the human costs of environmental disruption.
In Red Moon Dance, Samuels explores the spiritual ties between Indigenous cultures and the natural world. This work, measuring 29 inches by 19 inches, incorporates oil paint, sycamore bark, and Japanese paper to create a rich, layered texture. The natural materials ground the piece in the earth, symbolizing the deep respect Indigenous peoples hold for nature. The rhythmic patterns of the bark and the delicate quality of the paper evoke a sense of reverence for the environment. Through this work, Samuels invites viewers to reconnect with nature’s rhythms and reflect on how modern society has distanced itself from the spiritual relationships many cultures maintain with the planet.
Tread Lightly in the Forest, a four-foot-tall oil painting, delves into the hidden world of trees and their communication systems. By focusing on the intricate networks of roots and fungi that connect trees, Samuels brings attention to the unseen but vital ways in which ecosystems function. The deep greens and earthy tones in the painting evoke the ancient wisdom and resilience of forests. There’s a quiet power in this work, as though the trees themselves are speaking to the viewer, asking for caution and respect. Samuels uses this piece to highlight the delicate balance of forest ecosystems, reminding us of the fragility of these natural systems and the consequences of human interference.
Samuels’ art consistently encourages viewers to engage with the environment in a thoughtful, reflective way. Whether through personal portraits or expansive works on nature, her art is grounded in the idea that humanity and the environment are inextricably linked. From the displacement of climate migrants to the spiritual reverence of nature, each piece she creates asks us to reconsider our relationship with the planet. Her work is both a reflection of the current environmental crisis and a rallying cry for change. Through her art, Samuels reminds us that our actions have real consequences, and it’s up to all of us to protect the world we live in.
