We caught up with Falmouth and Penryn-based artist Sam Horn-Norris-Bradbury over coffee to discuss his work, inspiration and how the community makes it possible for artists like him to do what they do.

Sam grew up in an artistic environment, admitting he was brought up with a paintbrush in hand from a young age, and was heavily influenced by his artist parents who introduced him to movements and styles from across the world. It was his mother’s talents in print-making that encouraged Sam to dive into this medium at Falmouth University and it was here that his creativity was able to flourish even further. Now living in Penryn with his wife Amy (and their pet rabbits!), Sam's mission is to make art accessible to everyone in the community, working alongside local galleries and organisations to run workshops and exhibitions in order to open up the art world to people of all ages and abilities. Some of the previous projects Sam has worked on include the Truro City of Lights lantern parade, running creative workshops with Truro Nourish Hub, a food-based charity, and dementia groups.

Sam said: “As much as I enjoy doing my own art, doing things with other people is more rewarding. I work with people of any age, but I particularly love working with young people as they are so open to different styles. It’s about bringing the community together.”

Teaming up with Falmouth Art Gallery has meant Sam has been able to work with local schools, holiday groups and the library, and they very kindly allowed him to showcase some of his own work in a solo exhibition recently, giving local artists the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their creations for the benefit of the community.

With previous experience as an SEN teaching assistant, plus his work with young people in Falmouth and Penryn, Sam understands the importance art can have on young minds, and during the FORM Art Festival in September, this became very apparent to him. He said: “That’s where I see my job. It’s my job to find something that people can get engaged with, because art should be accessible.

“Falmouth Art Gallery offers a community gallery, which they open up to local artists and groups. They have been incredibly supportive to making the arts available to all - providing workshops for families, schools, and home ed groups! I’ve been working with them since 2019.”

In addition to workshops, Sam has added another string to his bow: mask making! His masks are made for community events, and he even entertained the crowds with his fantastical ‘Slug King’ mask at the Penryn mock mayor celebrations recently.

From the weird and wonderful, to the unique and vibrant, Sam’s work represents creativity in the best way possible: embracing colour, trying new styles and providing a voice to all.

If you are a local group, or work with people in the community who might benefit from some artistic workshops, get in touch with Sam by emailing sambradburyart@hotmail.com

You can also see updates from Sam on Instagram and Facebook.

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