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Oct 16, 2025

Arts Gowanus Artist Spotlight: Sam Smouha

Our Artist Spotlight Series continues today. As a reminder, in the coming weeks we’ll introduce you to our Inaugural Cohort of the seven artists who call the Arts Gowanus studios at The Shop BK home. In this series, you’ll get to see not only their work, but also hear how these artists made their way here. As stewards of a thriving arts community, Arts Gowanus supports, promotes, and advocates for creators in the heart of Brooklyn. Through this series, we aim to shine a light on the creative energy flowing through Gowanus from people to places, and the processes that make this neighborhood special. Up next? Sam Smouha.

Studio space at The Shop BK subsidized via Arts Gowanus Rezoning efforts.

Smouha’s Studio Space at The Shop Brooklyn

Sam Smouha (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Gowanus, who creates vibrant paintings and mosaics. With a background in urban planning, he draws on architecture and the environment while exploring themes of renewal and connection to place. His work has been exhibited at Culture Lab, featured in the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition’s Salon des Refusés, and included in cover designs for World Bank publications.

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask Sam Smouha some questions about his process and work, read on for the full exchange:

How did you find your way into your practice? Was there a moment when you knew this was it?

Growing up around creative people sparked my interest in art, particularly in my childhood home where my mom’s intricate mosaic designs covered many surfaces. Painting became an important, hands-on outlet for me while working in a law firm and attending graduate school for urban planning. The visual rhythm of mosaic art has been an influence on my painting style, although it wasn’t until the pandemic that I started using broken tiles and plates to make sculptural pieces.

What are you currently working on? What ideas, materials, or questions are you exploring in the studio right now?

I currently focus on creating mosaic sculptures, ranging from wall-hanging pieces to functional furniture and small-scale spatial interventions. My recent work explores how ornamentation can reintroduce beauty and memorable features into urban spaces.

“Rollerskate Lollipop,” Collaborative neon painting with Brady Caldwell (@folk_poke). Latex paint, spray paint, recycled white neon light, acrylic sheet, nylon fasteners, pink zip ties & hot glue on cradled wood panel, 20” x 20,” 2022. Sam Smouha

“Rollerskate Lollipop,” Collaborative neon painting with Brady Caldwell (@folk_poke). Latex paint, spray paint, recycled white neon light, acrylic sheet, nylon fasteners, pink zip ties & hot glue on cradled wood panel, 20” x 20,” 2022.

What sparks the work? Are you finding more places, people, sounds or falling into research rabbit holes?

I’m exploring designs inspired by breeze blocks, gargoyles, and hand-painted signs. I take a lot of photos of funky buildings here in New York, and also on recent travels to Japan, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

Walk us through a typical day in your studio. Any rituals or quirks that set you up creatively?

I make an effort to maintain a sense of play in my studio, so as to not get too stuck working on any project. I like to keep around scraps of various materials to make temporary sculptures and paper to sketch doodles.

What tools or techniques do you keep returning to and why?

Using discarded materials can be a good creative challenge to repurpose someone else’s trash, and attempt to make them into something new and interesting. Also when I can work outdoors, I find the quick nature of spray paint to be satisfying.

Are there threads that run through your work (form, color, story, humor)? How have they evolved over time?

When I began painting regularly about a decade ago, I made a number of abstract collage paintings, as well as a series of humorous depictions of shoes. I have experimented with painting on wood and cardboard, taken inspiration from hard-edge painting, and continue to collect some of my materials from the street and flea markets. Over time I have been incorporating more architectural forms in my work.

Share one recent work you’re proud of, what’s the story behind it? (Title, year, medium, dimensions)

I made an abstract wall sculpture, “Lewis Avenue Arcade,” in 2024 in the shape of a descending arcade, which is a design based on a side perspective of a church in Bed Stuy. It is 29” x 25,” and made from tiles on a foamboard panel. It is one of the first wall pieces I have done in this style, and I like the colors and sense of balance in the three sections of the arches.

“Lewis Avenue Arcade,” Ceramic tile on foamboard, 2024 Sam Smouha

“Lewis Avenue Arcade,” Ceramic tile on foamboard, 2024

What does having a subsidized studio at The Shop BK x Arts Gowanus make possible for you right now? 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in this space, where I plan to experiment more with larger pieces. In my previous studio, I shared a smaller space that limited my productivity. I feel lucky and energized to have this fresh start in a great new location, and be part of a new artist community.

How do you hope people feel (or what do you hope they notice) when they encounter your work?

I hope that people find the colors and shapes in my work to be intriguing and open their imaginations.

What’s next (shows, experiments, collaborations, dream projects)?

In my new studio, I have plans to make different types of furniture, including bookcases, pedestals, and room partitions. I’d also like to make some gargoyles and unique “No Parking” signs because New York has room for more of both of those.

Lightning Round ⚡️

  • A material you’re obsessed with right now: Foamboard

  • A non-art inspiration fueling you right now: Skating at Xanadu
  • Studio soundtrack: Makaya McCraven

  • Favorite place within a 10-minute walk of the studio: Mercado Central NYC

  • Coffee order (or tea): Espresso

See Sam Smouha’s Work for Yourself

Visitors can experience the full spectrum of Smouha’s colorful world during Arts Gowanus Open Studios, October 18–19, at The Shop BK (420 Carroll St, Brooklyn). His studio doors will be open!

To learn more or connect directly:
Instagram @smodigliani
samsmouha@gmail.com
Sam Smouha Gowanus Arts Profile

Untitled. Spray paint and ink on paper. 9” x 12.” 2018 Sam Smouha

Untitled. Spray paint and ink on paper. 9” x 12.” 2018