Meet Samantha Auster | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Samantha, how do you think about risk?

I believe that the best things that happen in life happen as the result of stepping outside of our comfort zones. Far to often we are afraid to try the unknown for fear of failing. When in reality if you fail, it is still a step forward towards your goal which is a success. I truly believe the more risks you take in life, and the more you put yourself out there, the happier you will be. Nobody gets out of life alive so we may as well take all the chances we can! My biggest fear in life is to be on my death bed regretting all the opportunities and risks I was to afraid to take.

This year in particular I took two of the biggest risks I have taken so far in life. The first risk being resigning from my career as an art teacher and the second, finally putting my art out there for the public to view and purchase and creating Auster Art!

This huge risk was largely inspired by my talented partner Jordan Bettner. After watching him fearlessly go after his dream of becoming a successful musician and encouraging my own talents I finally realized, if he can do it, what’s stopping me? It has to be one of the best risks I have taken so far in life. Although it hasn’t been easy, finally pursuing my life long goal of being a full time artist has instilled in me a new found sense of purpose and passion that was previously missing. Had I not put my work out there initially a lot of other things would not have happened.  My business wouldn’t exist and I would of spent my life wondering what would have happened had I not taken that risk.

I encourage everyone to take a leap of faith into the unknown, you’ll be surprised to find that for the most part, the reward usually turns out to be much greater than the initial risk itself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As soon as I was old enough to hold a crayon, art has been an integral part of my life. There hasn’t been a week that has gone by in my life that I have gone without creating artwork of some kind. My true love for art was solidified after enduring some significant trauma in my younger years, I found that the only place I truly felt safe to express my thoughts and feelings was within my artwork. As I grew, so did my passion, when I graduated high school I knew I wanted to do something in life that revolved around art. In 2015 I ended up going to Colorado State University for a BFA in Art Education with the hopes of helping kids find their safe haven within art the way I had. In college I was introduced to a multitude of mediums I had never experienced before such as metalsmithing, oil painting and printmaking. The saying, “A jack of all trades, is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one,” resonates with every fiber of my being. In college I discovered that unlike most artists I knew, I couldn’t pick just one medium to work with, this continues to be true today. My artwork features a forever expanding array of materials such as metal, wood, pottery, paintings and resin. Conventionally artists have been encouraged to find a medium that they enjoy most and to become a master of that medium rarely venturing outside of it. This idea of staying within one type of artwork is something that has never fit with me, I believe that artists should be constantly exploring and playing outside of their comfort zones. I am constantly incorporating and trying new forms of art and I don’t think I will ever stop and settle on just one form of art to produce or just one style.

If you had told me a year ago that I would finally have the courage to sell my art and create my own business and leave my career teaching art, I probably would of laughed. Although risk taking has been something I have always prided myself in my ability to do, when it came to putting my art out there for the world to see, it had always felt daunting. For the longest time I had convinced myself that my artwork was to personal for anyone else to enjoy. I couldn’t of been more wrong. Earlier this year I was persuaded by an artist and dear friend of mine, Jenn Merz to join the Women’s Caucus For Art. Through the Women’s Caucus I put three artworks into my first show since College. The show was called, “Over, Under, Further, Forever.” This show was a big deal for me, not only was it the first time I had shown art in a gallery alongside others since college, I also included an extremely personal art piece about sexual assault. It was the first time I had put out something so vulnerable for the public to see. I was met with so much support from the other artists and from viewers who came and told me their personal stories that I was only fueled further to continue to put my art out there. After my first art show I had the confidence to be a part of  the Beacons First Friday event where I sold a handful of original artworks of all different mediums ranging in styles from abstract, realism, and my personal favorite surrealism. My confidence in my art and my ability to create work that is relatable to others has only continued to grow. After my first First Friday, Auster Art was born! I created my own website www.austerart.com and began to post my art more frequently on my art instagram @samiauster_art. Since then I have sold my art in person more than ten different times with many more events planned out for the future! I also have been blessed to be the photographer/videographer for one of my boyfriend’s bands Mothatung. As I continue to grow my small business, I am constantly having to take on additional risks to continue to push myself to become the best I can be. Nothing about creating a business where you’re the only employee is easy but it is worth it to know that the art that I create is going to be enjoyed by other people and hopefully help them heal the way it did for me making it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever I have friends visit me from my home town of Chicago I always have a list of places for us to go! If you’re visiting from a flat state like Chicago, I think it’s important to get some time to experience the mountains! I love taking my friends to Estes Park or if they’re an outdoorsy friend we’ll go camping at Hanging Lake. When my artists friends come to visit I love to take them down to Denver to explore the art scene. Some of my favorite art exhibits to go to are Meow Wolf, Denver Art Museum, Lighthouse Art Space, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. When it comes to food I am a huge fan of Mexican food, in my opinion the best breakfast burrito of all time can be found in Golden, Colorado at Los Marcelos it is a family owned restaurant and Luís the owner is the sweetest. If you’re a big fan of pizza I would say to check out Beau Jos and Panhandlers! As for night life, although I may be somewhat biased I would say The Beacon in Denver is one of the best spots for good music and amazing drinks along with an artistic experience! As a lover of live music I would also suggest checking out Your Mom’s House, The Speakeasy, Mercury Cafe, Lost Lake, and Globe Hall. If you want to experience an amazing concert you can never go wrong with a Red Rocks Concert or Mission Ballroom!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for a few amazing people in my life. First of all my parents are a huge reason I am the entrepreneur I am. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs themselves and have instilled in me the drive and passion it takes to create something from nothing. Since I was a kid they always encouraged me to follow my passion for art and as an adult they have continued to do so.

Another person who I owe my success to is my sister. She is quite literally my shelter in the storm, my motivator, and my best friend. She has been cheering me on since day one.

I need to recognize Jenn Merz for being an awesome friend and mentor. She is the one who encouraged me to join the Women’s Caucus For Art and has helped me with many other opportunities! She is a big inspiration to me and has helped me a lot on my journey.

I also need to thank the boys in Mothatung for giving me the opportunity to be their photographer. Specifically I need to thank Moses for letting me know about that first opportunity at the Beacon. Also shoutout to Andy for nominating me for this interview!

Last but definitely not least my boyfriend Jordan Bettner. Over this past year he has been my number one fan and my biggest inspiration. He was the one who gave me the final nudge outside my comfort zone and encouraged me to sell my art. As well as the person who inspired me to follow my dream no matter how “unrealistic” society had tried to convince me it was. I am so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system of family and friends around me and I know I wouldn’t be even half of who I am today without them.

Website: www.austerart.com

Instagram: samiauster_art

Other: Tiktok: austerart