10 questions with young artist Sami Panfili

Sami Panfili is an aspiring artist, full of energy and ideas, with deep roots in Hamilton on both sides of the family. She graduated from the Pennington School this spring and is headed to art school this fall. An unintended injury while training in competitive gymnastics changed her path to the arts. It is interesting to see artists starting out: what their focus is now, and where it can all lead.

When and how did you gain an interest in the arts?

My interest truly hit my freshman high school year. I attended Doane Academy, a very small K-12 school with an art program I’ve never seen before.

Doane brought in professional artists from the Philadelphia art school, Studio Incamminati, which was founded by well-known portrait artist Nelson Shanks, who has painted presidents, the Pope and Princess Diana. This is where I met Mr. Jarred Fisher, who would be my teacher for freshman and sophomore year, both in person and online due to Covid. Mr. Fisher taught me some of the most crucial techniques for young artists, which started as basic gestures transforming into finished still life drawings.

Which media is your favorite to work in?

This is a tough question for me to answer, as currently I’ve been experimenting not only in the 2D world of art but also the 3D world of fashion design.

I started my journey mainly with pencil till I found macron markers. Then I found a love for realism with graphite pencils. Charcoal drawing, however, is something I always gravitate back to. I love how quickly you can create with charcoal in simple strokes.

Most recently, I’ve found a love for photography. Working with pinholes cameras is a newfound obsession I have acquired.

What program will you be studying at Savannah College of Art and Design, this fall?

Currently, I am undecided for a major at SCAD. I plan to take my freshman year as a time to experience all genres of art.

I want to take classes in various fields, some of which I have never stepped foot in before. Also, with my interests within the business of art I would love to wait and see what I will end up pursuing.

Which artists are some of your inspirations or influences?

I like British artist Stephen Mackey, who is a self-taught realist who paints realist absurd portraits. I also like Dylan Carr, who is a fine line tattoo artist at Crown and Feather Tattoo, not too far from here in Philadelphia.

How does the portfolio review process work with SCAD?

While applying to SCAD it is not mandatory to submit a portfolio. And for me, who is not subject into studying strictly Studio Arts it was not something I felt necessary in my enrollment. I submitted some drawings initially, was accepted, and awarded some academic and artist scholarships.

Were your parents supportive when you decided to study in the arts field?

While it was quite a turn from my older brother’s path who is graduating their doctorate this summer in Neuropsychology. They have been nothing but supportive, my parents have a strong grasp that every child is different, as I’m sure many parents know as well. For my brother and me, they would never force him into the world of arts and me into the world of psychology, because it’s simply not what makes us happy.

What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

My biggest struggle regarding my art is time and motivation. While being a high school boarding student, finding the time to create was almost impossible, and the time I did have to create I would spend trying to catch up on sleep.

After graduating in June, I have found that this summer has given me more time than ever to create, and I’ve already begun working on new projects.

Tell us about your recent internship with a local gallery. Would you ever pursue directing a gallery yourself?

This past May I was given the opportunity to be an intern under C.J. Mugavero at the Artful Deposit Gallery in Bordentown City. The Pennington School has a program called Horizon that is mandatory for the senior class. It has students go off and find internships in fields they may pursue.

After this internship I have many newfound appreciations, not only for C.J. allowing me to shadow her but for any gallery and any artist. Owning a gallery takes a lot of time, and a lot of people skills and there are so many nitpick factors that the common person would never even think of.

This opened my eyes to realize gallery owning may be a path for me, however, it will have to wait till I’m much older. My experience at the Artful Deposit was nothing but wonders, I even got the chance to sit down and interview a couple of artists who are represented there!

What is a dream project of yours?

Relating back to my internship at Artful Deposit, a dream project of mine would be owning a gallery. I would like to have a gallery which is also a venue hall that hosts events from fashion shows, to exhibits, to even weddings. I mean who wouldn’t want to get married surrounded by fine art?

What is on the horizon? What else are you looking forward to?

The next step for me is college, I’m attending Savannah College of Art and Design, which I’m looking forward to. This summer, time is what I’m most excited for, the right amount of boredom creates the best ideas!

Instagram: samipan.art.