In Their Element ~ Sammy Veall

IN THEIR ELEMENT

Welcome to In Their Element – A conscious exploration of creativity, practice and flow with people we admire from all walks of life.

For this volume, we visit Fitzroy-based painter Sammy Veall. Country Wodonga-born and a devoted yoga enthusiast, Sammy embraces the moments of her painting practice, using art as a way to revisit memories and deepen her appreciation for the world around her.

The mother of two welcomed us into her studio, taking a moment from her day to share the rituals, rhythms and reflections that shape life as a full-time artist.

Where and when do you feel most in your element?

When I am at home alone. I love the quiet after the storm when the kids and my husband are out of the house. I can wander into the veggie garden, slowly make myself lunch, go for a swim, sit in the sunshine or light the fire depending on the seasons and just take in all the different textures and colours of our interiors. At the moment, I am painting a collection of photographs shot at a party we held at our house back in November last year. When I paint different areas of my house I see it in a whole new light. I am no longer just looking at a lamp. I am seeing all the different colours that make up the shade, the base, the surrounds when the light is on or off. It’s like living in a vivid dream!

Is there a daily ritual that keeps you connected to your most authentic self?

Having two kids means that often a daily ritual is thrown out the window. I come from a yoga background so I am usually very connected to a daily ritual. At the moment the one that has seemed to stick has been collecting fresh sage from our garden and making a pot of tea which my husband and I share. There is a great joy that comes from eating (or drinking) from your garden, so this feels very grounding for me whether it’s at 7am or 5am in the morning!

Style Details: Renewal Necklace, Renewal Ring, Duality Chain Necklace

"We have a lot of Australian art hanging at our home, I feel most protective about these."

Is there a philosophy or mantra that you return to?

All unhappiness rests on wanting things to be other than they are. These words are from my yoga teacher, Steve Ross. We have known each other for 15 years and he is a breath of fresh air. Hilariously inappropriate and incredibly clever. He was also a rocker back in the day and played with Fleetwood Mac!

Is there a book/s that has inspired your way of living?

Would have to be Steve Ross’ book called Happy Yoga. I had an accident when I was 21 and have 3rd degree burns to 35% of my body, I went to LA shortly after this and met Steve. He introduced me to the yogi way of life, where you try and allow things to be as they are to remove friction and tension from your life. To learn to accept that everything passes, whether good or bad. This really helped my healing process and I still use these teachings in my life with my children and in my art.

What does your ideal day look like?

Breakfast with my family, followed by yoga with a friend and a hot drink. A slow walk to my art studio, followed by lots of music and painting. A yummy lunch and another hot drink. Then some relaxing time at home before I collect the boys and into a family dinner. We live in Melbourne so this is very unattainable, but I would love an ocean swim too!

Is there a musical genre, playlist or specific song that encourages you to enter a state of flow?

At the moment I am loving the song Dace II, by Discovery Zone. It’s like a blast from the past (where I wish I was born!). A great disco tune with so many different tones.

If there was a person (dead or alive) that you could have dinner with, who would it be and why?

My husband and I actually always joke about this. We have some very controversial answers which I won’t get into! I would have to say it would be a dead artist born in the 1800’s. I would have so many questions for them and their answers would have no knowledge of technology and social media. How interesting to hear their advice based on the very simple way of life and painting back then. Perhaps Pablo Picasso, as I also speak a little Spanish.

What is something that you own that holds the most sentimental value and why?

I try and remain quite unattached having no issue cleaning out the cupboards, but when my grandparents passed away I was also lucky enough to receive a few things from my grandmother. A furlined coat that was made in Spain from the 50’s, a rattan mirror and a beaded bag from the 60’s. We also have a lot of Australian art hanging at our home, I feel most protective about these.

Style Details: Ritual Hoops, Renewal Necklace

"I still long for the country air and I’d love my kids to be able to enjoy this simple way of life!"

What is a time, moment or place that makes you feel most nostalgic and why?

I grew up on a farm near Albury/Wodonga. It was a big cattle farm and we moved there when I was 6. I went to a school with 6 people in my class and 50 people in the whole school. At home I would horse ride, ride motorbikes and play outside. I still long for the country air and I’d love my kids to be able to enjoy this simple way of life!

Who are your biggest style influences and why?

In the fashion sense - my sister, Emma! She is so elegant and stylish and always looks amazing. Whenever I am about to buy something, I think “would Emma wear this”? In an interior sense - I take inspiration from so many different places it isn’t anyone in particular.