Intro to SAM O

My name is Samantha A Merrill, but everyone calls me Sam. Not Sammy, not Sam-I-am, and certainly not to be confused with a much beloved Hobbit or anyone's favorite Labrador retriever - because he is a very good boy. I'm just Sam. My business, SAM Origninals, was named for my nickname and initials-turned-signature, and a reference to what I do. SAM Originals is the culmination of years of touring museums, traveling, studying, drawing, and teaching myself lost wax casting.

I lovingly refer to my work as SAM O in conversation. I don't say SAM Originals over and over again, because it sounds too formal for that. "SAM O has a show and I'm getting ready" is easier than the other prospective mouthful. It's much the same as calling a rambunctious toddler by their full name over and over. You can only shout "Worcester, stop running in the house" so many times before you regret your life choices and start calling the little dude Chester or Chet to give everyone a break.

I love making art jewelry and researching other art that I drew inspiration from. As much as it is my job, it's my passion and I enjoy it. My dad was an Army Aviator for 23 years of active duty service, and he still flies helicopters on the civilian side. He used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up because he was too busy having fun to worry about it. I always wanted to be as lucky as he is, and this is my best shot.

I hope as this progresses, the evolution from the idea scribbled on a tea stained napkin to a lump of carved wax to precious metal will be intriguing. I have no idea if you will think so. But I hope you will indulge me for a bit here and let me know what you think.

Thank you for being here.

***I am currently preparing for a couple of Christmas themed shows. Wait time on Made to Order works is 2 weeks. The "final hour" order deadline for Christmas for ready to ship items is by 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Only local pickup orders are available after December 18, 2019***