Samantha Grenier

Also known as the Curator of Cute, Samantha is a colorful cut-paper illustrator and macrame artist from New England. She's the author/illustrator of two crafty (knotty!) how-to books: Parachute Cord Craft and Hello! Macrame. Typically lingering around the New Hampshire/Massachusetts boarder, Samantha can be found painting/cutting papers and tying knots at her studio at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. Yes, you may call her Sam.

(Photography by Daniel Mathieu of Devezon)

Have you always been creative and artistic?

Yes! From as far back as I can remember I was born with this itch to make SOMETHING - I never knew what - just always wanted to keep my hands busy. This drive never went away, and it was nourished through multiple mediums from painting and drawing, to music lessons, and then dabbling in crafts.

How would you describe the style of your work?

Colorful describes my style through-and-through. Even when I try to limit my pallet, color seeps in through fascinating texture and silly/organic shapes.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

My portable pencil case is toting a small stash of colored pencils, a sharpener, and a couple brush pens. The stationary case is housing my Xacto-knife and replacement blades, additional finishing pens, and a clutch of paper flowers. I have two favorite tools: squirt-bottles filled with assorted paints, and my computer.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Nine year-old Sam says Rogue or Storm of the X-Men (I could never pick). Seventeen year-old Sam says The Powerpuff Girls. Thirty-something Sam would call for Katniss Everdeen (HUNGER GAMES series) or Juliette Ferrars from the SHATTER ME series.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

I would LOVE to have the ability to freeze time. I should relate this to extended deadlines, but I just really want to be able to sneak in power-naps without the whole community knowing.

Where do you look for inspiration?

Taxidermy and food. I frequent the natural history museum for animal/marine references; this is one of my favorite places. Since I adore eating, that (somehow) influenced my work, so now I study food before chowing down.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

Eric Carle, Melissa Sweet, and Mary Blair are my artistic heroes.