Samantha Nye, Artist

Tell me about your work and the symbolism behind your paintings.

So, the work is derived from Slim Aaron’s photography, and he once said about his work that he makes photographs about attractive people doing attractive things, so I took that quote and named the series after it.

So, your series is called “Attractive People Doing Attractive Things?” Do you only photograph attractive people?

The thing about that is that Slim Aaron’s version of attractive was just the rich owners of these luxurious properties.

So, these all started with photographs?

They started off as photographs, yes. And then what I’m doing is taking back what he considers attractive, so I’m subverting that and making it queer art.

Are you LGBT?

Yes.

How do you incorporate that into your art?

I just take out his people and put in my own models.

Are these all real models?

They come from porn. Sometimes I use my mother and grandmother.

What are your thoughts on porn and the industry?

Well, the industry is a whole other thing, but I’m happy people have porn. I just wish the industry was a million times better for the people in it.

Do you think it’s bad if people watch porn or is it natural?

No, not at all. Of course, I love porn.

Since porn is so accessible, what do you think about children being exposed to it?

Well, I don’t think children should watch porn. I mean, I’m not a parent, so I don’t have that concern.

@samantha_nye_studio