Meyer Samuels was born in Brooklyn, New York, as Meyer Samuelowitz on
October 26th, 1910. He spent his entire life in Brooklyn, where he worked
as a house painter until age 54. After retiring, he devoted himself
entirely to his art on a full-time basis. When Meyer Samuels passed away
at age 86, he left behind a large quantity of art pieces in panel drawings
as well as small sculptures.
Drawings
Meyer Samuels' drawings are executed with graphite pencil and black ink,
and, at times, are colored by pastels. They are done on various,
intimate-size drawing boards. Meyer signed his work on verso, and rarely
titled them. His grandson Matt (engineering major at UPENN and budding
neuro network researcher) explained to me that various lottery numbers
and TV show titles are just that - a glimpse of his notes. Meyer would
often gain the inspirations for his artwork from things he had heard, or
seen during the day. He would begin with the reverse side of his canvas,
and begin, letting his talents flow onto the canvas.
Jazzy compositions, made up of many figures, have fractal qualities. Upon
closer examination, the texture between figures reveals still more
figures, smaller in size, busy rhythmically arranging their
relationships. At this time we are presenting 4 of his panels for your
enjoyment.
Sculptures
In his sculptures, Meyer isolated individual, highly abstracted womanlike
figures on pedestals. Each piece is individually carved using some
traditional carving tools, as well as some power tools. Pieces were
carved from fine wood or Plexiglas, and all of the finely sanded and
burnished sculptures were executed from one piece (including the
pedestal). Meyer also sculpted birds, whales, cats, as well as owls.
Meyer did concentrate on the abstract female form.
Meyer taught his love and technique of sculpture to his son, Allen
Samuelowitz, who continues in his footsteps, drawing an inspiration as
well from Brancusi and compositions / subject from Modiglliani.
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