Pushing the Boundaries
Author:Abigail StoneFor artist Samantha McCurdy, thinking outside the box garners big results
With their singular way of understanding the world, artists often turn lemons into lemonade. Witness the evolution of Samantha McCurdy’s arresting pieces, where spherical objects bulge against spandex, well beyond the confines of their traditional frames. “Many of my oil paintings were developing bumps and holes from leaning against tables and chairs,” she explains. “I began to reflect on what defines a painting as ‘ruined.’”
It was a pivotal moment in her practice. “I started deliberately creating protrusions,” she shares; woodworking skills gave her control over their shapes. As her focus shifted from the painted image to the surface itself, she experimented with stretchable fabrics. “Now my works resemble sculptures more than traditional paintings, though they still share the same presentation: being hung on a wall.”
Her process is inherently physical. “I often joke that it feels like wrestling alligators,” she laughs. “I use my whole body, stretching the material to its limits while quickly stapling it to the frame.” The native Philadelphian, who now lives and works in L.A., credits her adopted city with the continued evolution of her work. As part of Collectible NYC, she integrated her work with that of interior designer Michael Hilal, marking another turning point in her career. “Clients saw how the pieces could be integrated into their homes,” she observes. The experience prompted her to connect directly with the design community. “Relying solely on gallery representation can be limited,” she says. “Collaborating with an interior designer expands my reach, allowing me to create something meaningful where they become part of the story.” She and Hilal are also teaming up on a lighting collection, debuting next year. “It’ll be a fresh way to experience my pieces, blending form and function in a way that enhances both.”
