Product Description
Summer Seasoning consists of 2 works, a painting and a paper mache bust, which are exaggerated depictions of actual sights from Virginia Beach, Summer 2022. Pharrell and Clayman were both born and raised in Virginia Beach, where Clayman claims you can’t help but be immersed in the many flavors of Summer Tourism. Each new season brings a crashing wave of characters from all over the region, all uniting for common goals: relaxation and release. When it comes to my work, I’m unapologetic and bold with the imagery. It is the artist's goal to deliver a light of visual pleasure and affirm that we should all be able to smile—or be disgusted, together. He paints with the trust that the spectator has experienced similar visions and chance encounters at some point in their own life.
Product Year
2023
Product Materials
Painting: acrylic, canvas, ash frame, Bust: newspaper, paste, acrylic, nylon hat
Product Dimensions
36 x 36 in. (91.5 x 91.5 cm.) without frame, 39 1/4 x 39 1/4 in. (99.71 x 99.71 cm.) with frame
18 x 12 x 12 in. (45.72 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm.)
Product Note
Fellow Virginia Beach natives, Sam Clayman and Pharrell Williams have most certainly shared experiences with the wave of sun-scorched, summer-salvation-seeking tourists that washes over their hometown every year. Sam’s absurd, charactural characters are somehow simultaneously critical and complimentary, perfect for articulating the love/hate relationship that the beach town natives have with their fleeting flocks of summer invaders. Tourist Seasoning consists of 2 works (a painting and a sculpted bust) which are exaggerated depictions of actual sights from Virginia Beach, Summer 2022. Like many artists and creators of the 757, Sam credits Pharrell with being a central conduit of creative energy in the region. Over the years, Pharrell has cosigned Sam’s artistic pursuits and has emboldened him to uphold the creative legacy of Virginia Beach.
"Pharrell and I were both born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Here, you can’t help but be immersed in the many flavors of Summer Tourism. Each new season brings a crashing wave of characters from all over the region – all uniting for common goals: relaxation and release. Pharrell's presence is an undercurrent here, especially in the arts community. He is a magnet that brings all walks of life together in our city. I have long been inspired by his pursuits, his charisma, his ability to create, and above all to me - his appreciation of the art, culture, and beauty of individuality. He possesses a unique vibrance that makes him who he is, and I've always admired that. Over the past couple years, Pharrell has provided me with words of encouragement, and confirmation not to second guess my artistic direction.
He has challenged me not only in my ability, but also to remain fit and true in my own style and approach.
When it comes to my work, I'm unapologetic and bold with the imagery. It is my intent through my art, that I'm able to deliver a light of visual pleasure and affirm that we should all be able to smile—or be disgusted, together. My goal is for the reflection to provoke grins, laughter and thought. I'm trusting that the spectator has experienced similar visions and chance encounters at some point in their own life. By use of block coloring and simplistic lines, my work isn't complicated and should be easy on the eyes. Once described as, "If Mike Judge created a Where's Waldo," I'm optimistic that my design can provide a nostalgia for those of my generation.
I have been deeply entertained by the unbecoming side of human beings from as far back as I can remember. The more bizarre, the more absurd - the more attracted I am. I paint and create works that bring awareness and life to what other people may intentionally look away from. I prefer to recreate scenes on the beaches of seedy 2-star resorts, rather than the glamorous getaways we see on Instagram. If the sand’s littered with cigarettes, and the sea breeze hints of waffle cones, cheap sunblock, and sweat - you might see me in the shadows, between the hotels, making mental scribbles; probably smiling."
- Sam Clayman
