Meet Sam Rae Edmiston

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

Hi Sam Rae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I have been an artist all of my life. Creating things out of anything I could get my hands on and people were responding to it and wanting to buy it so ultimately it only made sense for me to start selling what I was creating.

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.
I consider myself an outsider artist, constantly changing and evolving never following that societal norm. I work, at times with unconventional things like dirt, moss, burnt twigs, tape, paper,
q-tips..basically anything I can get my hands on to incorporate into my art. It’s funny but, Im not sure as an artist if I am ever really super proud about something I have created (because my mind is always telling me I can do better, be better) but more proud of when someone sees something deep within their soul, in my art and wants to take it home with them. There is something very special about putting your soul into something and someone hanging that or placing it in their home.
So, not only am I an artist but, I am a Gallery Manager. so, everyday I get to talk about my own art as well as other artists work. The road I feel is never an easy one when you’re an artist trying to make it in the world but, I am really proud to be where I am today and to be running, selling and exhibiting at a wonderful gallery in the River Arts District of Asheville. Im thankful everyday for the people who have mentored me, gave me a chance and saw my worth, I wouldn’t be where I am at today if it wasn’t for all of them!
I have learned along the way to be 100% authentically me. If you are then people will see you, they will see and feel what you create and love it. I strive to create pieces that someone stops and says I know that artist.

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?
Oh my, Asheville and the surrounding areas are wonderful. One of the first places I take anyone to visit is The River Arts District. Mark Bettis Gallery is my first stop. This is the gallery I manage and exhibit at! And then I take them to all of the surrounding studios and gallery spaces cause ummmmmm its amazing and we have such an incredibly diverse friendly amount of artists in a very concentrated area. And don’t forget the NC glass center to take a short glass blowing class. I would take them to the Asheville Salt Cave for relaxation time. Some favorite places to eat like Montford Deli, Itto Raman Bar, The Chestnut (in downtown Asheville), Blue Mountain pizza in Weaverville, Taco Fiesta Mexican Kitchen in Horse Shoe, honestly there are so many it’s hard to list them all. I would also go mineral, gem and fossil shopping at Enter the Earth downtown, so amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Those who supported me and cheered me on along the way, mentored me, always telling me to never give up. You know who you are, and I love you!

Website: https://www.markbettisgallery.com/online-store/Sam-Rae-Edmiston-c126685615

Instagram: @sam.r.a.e