Meet Sam Morgan | String Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since 2015, string art had been a sporadic hobby of mine. But in 2022, I made the decision to transform it into a full-fledged business. It all began when I traveled to Bend, Oregon that spring to meet my husband’s extended family. During my stay, I had the delightful opportunity to lodge with Janet, a talented quilter who adorned her home with her beautiful creations. Janet explained that quilting had initially been a means for her to express her creativity and feed her soul. As time went on, she discovered that quilting also provided a remarkable way to connect with her community.

During my visit, Janet was busy preparing to exhibit her own masterpieces at the highly acclaimed Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, an annual event held in a neighboring town. Among her works, there was one piece that instantly captivated me—a vibrant orange fruit composed of contrasting citrus colors and whimsical patterns. This fruit panel would be combined with contributions from other local artists to form a collaborative quilt. The idea of individual talents converging to create a unified artwork fascinated me.

Inspired by Janet’s stories about her quilting journey, I felt compelled to share my string art hobby with her. Until then, I had only created pieces to give as gifts to my loved ones. However, Janet encouraged me to extend my artistry to a wider audience within the community.

Having witnessed the profound joy and connection that art brought into Janet’s life, I knew that I yearned for a similar experience in my own hometown. Six months after that unforgettable trip, I took a leap of faith and established my own small art business. I partnered with a local store in Colorado, Local Goods Colorado, where I could proudly showcase my artwork alongside other talented individuals.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m Sam, the artist behind Juniper & Thread, specializing in nature-themed string art. I draw my inspiration from the captivating beauty of Colorado’s wildlife and foliage against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. As an artist, nothing excites me more than bringing these awe-inspiring elements to life.

The name Juniper & Thread is a blend of various elements that hold personal meaning to me. Thread captures the essence of my chosen medium. Juniper is a fusion of my literal middle name, June, and the childhood nickname given to me by my stepdad. My middle name carries a special familial legacy, having been passed down to the first-born daughters across multiple generations, and Juniper also happens to be a shrub that grows in Colorado.

What sets me apart as an artist is my unique medium, unwavering attention to detail, and the personal touch I infuse into every handmade creation. Each piece is a testament to my labor of love, crafted with care and thoughtfulness. My process encompasses every step, from handpicking and preparing the wood to sketching and nailing the designs, intricately weaving string patterns, and even creating custom paint colors for the nail heads. I thrive on experimentation, exploring various elements such as nail density, harmonious color blends, intricate layering, and incorporating techniques from other art forms, like embroidery, to breathe life into my ideas.

Professionally, my journey has been a combination of dedication, perseverance, and learning from challenges. Balancing my artistic endeavors with a full-time role as a software engineer has been a test of time management and prioritization. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve overcome these challenges by staying committed to my artistic passion and finding a balance that works for me. I’ve learned the importance of setting realistic goals, being adaptable, and staying true to my artistic vision.

Along the way, I’ve discovered the power of collaboration and building connections. Collaborating with Local Goods Colorado, a store that exclusively showcases the products of local artisans, has been an invaluable opportunity for me to introduce my art to the world. Through this partnership, I’ve learned the importance of networking, finding like-minded individuals and businesses, and leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve mutual success.

As I continue to grow professionally, I am excited about the new chapter I am embarking on. I am currently in the process of establishing an independent presence for my brand. This involves creating an online storefront, collaborating with local coffee shops, and participating in in-person art markets. It’s a journey of learning and growth, where I am immersing myself in various aspects of running a business, from marketing and content creation to social media management and brand partnerships.

Juniper & Thread is a brand that embodies my passion for art and nature-themed string art. Through meticulous craftsmanship, I infuse each piece with my personal touch, capturing the beauty of Colorado nature. It brings me immeasurable joy to express my creativity and translate my artistic visions into tangible works of beauty. Juniper & Thread invites others to embrace creativity, find solace in art, and celebrate the wonders of nature.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You’ll want to go to breakfast at The Early Bird in Westminster at least once. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll appreciate their creme brulee french toast–it melts in your mouth. If you’re more of a savory person, their breakfast burrito has the best green chili and spicy sausage around. If you find yourself needing extra caffeine after the nap-inducing breakfast, you’ll find great coffee shops in the Boulder area like Boxcar Coffee Roasters and The Laughing Goat.

Continuing on the food train, here are some great local restaurants north of Denver:
– Community Supper Club – rotating menu! (Lafayette)
– Teocali – gourmet Mexican food, get the spicy pineapple salsa (Lafayette)
– Tip Top Pies – new zealand personal pot pies, get the dessert or breakfast pies for something unique! (Lafayette)
– Acerage by Stem- this is the REAL winner, stop by for hard cider, good eats, and the best, uninhibited views of the entire front range due to it’s location on top of a massive hill (Lafayette)
– Lulus BBQ (louisville)
– Sweet cow – best ice cream you can find here hands down – various locations across Boulder county

Entertainment

Northern CO has a handful of cute little down towns affectionately called “old town” that have a variety of small restaurants, boutiques, events, and rich histories:

– Old Town Lafayette: children’s museum, art night out 2nd Friday of each month from May-October
– Old Town Louisville: farmers markets every Saturday morning
– Old Town Erie: farmers markets every Thursday night
– Old Town Longmont

One last fun entertainment idea is going to Erie, Lake in the morning to catch the hot air balloons taking off during the late spring-early fall. The lake is about a mile around and is home beautiful wildlife, especially birds. There aren’t specific days the balloons take off, so be sure to look ahead on Fair Winds Hot Air Balloons’ website.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out Local Goods Colorado, a storefront in Lafayette, Colorado that only offers ‘goods’ of local Colorado makers, artisans, creatives, authors, farmers and Colorado companies. This remarkable store has provided me with an opportunity to share my passion for string art and be part of a community that celebrates local talent.

Local Goods Colorado isn’t just a store; it’s a place where dreams are nurtured and artists are given a platform to shine. From the moment I walked through its doors, I felt a sense of belonging and support that has truly made a difference in my artistic journey.

As a result of my partnership with Local Goods Colorado, I feel more rooted in my community. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with and supporting the incredible art community in Colorado. Together, we have shared stories, exchanged ideas, and celebrated the power of artistic expression. Each piece displayed in the store carries not only the artist’s vision but also a piece of their soul. It is a true testament to the vibrant and diverse artistic talent that resides within our beautiful state.

Website: https://www.juniperandthread.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniper_and_thread/