Artist Story: Jodi of Jodi Sam Art

Jodi is the artist and owner of Jodi Sam: a hand-illustrated print and greeting card brand that's graced Giving Gifts' shelves for over 5 years.

What's the story behind how you started your business, Jodi?
I have always loved art, ever since I was a child. I first started painting at around 10 years-old. At that time, it was lots of ink watercolour paintings at art class in a Vancouver community centre. After university (with a degree that was not art-related), I moved on to wearable art: fashion styling. It was not until around 2009 that I took up illustrating and writing. I relocated to Tokyo the following year, to work and develop my creative projects—holding exhibitions and releasing my first illustrated book! Since relocating back to Vancouver in late 2016, I decided to continue with my artistic endeavours because they bring me so much joy, and I loving sharing that joy with others. In short—it is a passion that naturally evolved into a business.

What are you most proud of about your business?
Connecting with people in a visual way and being able to spread happiness through it. I want to paint subjects or themes that makes people feel good and happy. So, when I hear from people that my pieces cheer them up or make them smile, I could not be more grateful or proud!

What difference does art make in your life?
Art makes me feel complete, so I don't know what to do without it!

What do you love about being a Giving Gifts Artist?
Giving Gifts and their customers have been so supportive to local artists like myself, and I love being in the company of other amazing talents. I am grateful to have my work in such a wonderful collective.

What do you want people to feel when they receive a piece of your art?
A sense of zen—calmness, connection and warmth.

What in your life are you most grateful for?
For the love and support of those around me; from people I both do and don't know. And for the connection we all share as human beings.