Meet Sam Leger | Artist

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

Hi Sam, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Hey what’s good Voyage H-Town!? I appreciate y’all connecting with me for another interview.

So… My end goal is to have a solid legacy established in the entertainment industry as an artist and a writer. I majored in Media Arts & Animation when I went to art school because I know that at my core, I’m a storyteller. It’s a craft that will always be needed, and especially now in these times of unrest and what appears to be needless chaos. Truth is, we’re in a time of profound transition and the world needs its storytellers of all forms to come and help guide others with a vision. Whether it be through a canvas, a song, or a film; we’ve always used stories to teach, to heal, to entertain of course, and most importantly to inspire. At the end of my career, I want to be able to say that I successfully did all of that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I honestly believe that I am still only scratching the surface when it comes to my work. If there is anything that sets me apart, it would be my attention to detail, my compositional flow, and overall ability to connect with the hearts & souls of my audience and I hope to carry those same qualities into my future written work. I’m determined to get that “wow” effect from those who see my work. I’m most proud of my musically inspired pieces, Rebel Music, Gemini, and my most recent piece which is still in progress, All $ in, honoring Nipsey Hussle.  I’m far more excited about the slew of ideas that I haven’t put on canvas yet. This next phase in my career will be more liberating for me, as I’ll begin to really explore developing my own unique style.

Getting to this point in my career, which is still very much the beginning stages, has been a matter of facing so many challenges in all aspects of my life including artistically. Emotional blocks from not feeling supported at times. Financial stresses of keeping my work as a priority when I have so much else to prioritize. Physical challenges from a previous injury while playing college football, and the repetitive stress injuries I continue to incur from working relentlessly. The mental fatigue of creating my own pieces while also creating concepts for my commissioned work. I’ve had to become extremely resilient to criticisms and find reassurances anywhere I can to affirm that I’m walking down the correct path. My greatest tool in overcoming all of that has been to compartmentalize and to take on each challenge bit by bit; knowing that in time I will reach my goals.

While going through all that, I have learned that it is imperative that I be my own biggest fan. No one should believe in me more than I believe in myself. I’ve also learned that it’s okay for things to come out different than what I expected. It’s important to accept what is, if I’m to move forward and do better. The thing I would want the word to understand most about my brand and my story is simply that it is boundlessly imaginative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well sh*t… there’s so much to do! If I’m feeling like enjoying some great live music or performing arts, I’m definitely heading to either the House of Blues, Jones Music Hall, White Oak Music Hall, or The Cynthia Woods Pavilion. Now if we’re talking about hanging out in a chill environment with great drinks, people, and music, then I’d head out wherever DJ Big Reeks and The Waxaholics are spinning at, whether it be the Alley Cat, or Double Cross lounge.

There’s also Waves on Westheimer every Wednesday at Avant Garden where DJ Candlestick spins, while some dope artists present and sell their work. Other than that, I’d suggest having some drinks and wings at Prospect Park. Also if there are any art exhibits going on at either HMAAC, Hardy and Nance, or Sawyer Yards, then those are a must see! Other than that, the city is typically hosting all sorts of cultural and arts festivals that are brimming with lively experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Recognition and thanks to the MOST HIGH & divine creator who worked through my folks, pastors Souvien &Marie Leger, to give me life. They went through an enormous amount of struggle and hardship in order to raise me and my brothers (those grocery bills were ridiculous) and I’ll always love them for that.

To my brothers, who in a way raised me and helped me to develop my gifts, thank you. To every passionate teacher, professor, and mentor that recognized something special in me, and never let me go half-stepping, thank you! To my fraternal brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha (Eta Mu Chapter, University of Houston, Spring ‘03; Find a way or Make a way!), thank you for your assistance in shaping me into the man I am today. To each and every friend who treated me as family, encouraged me when I was at my lowest, and celebrated when I achieved, thank you!

 Thank you to the authors of these powerful books that were critical in my development: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, King Warrior Magician Lover by Douglas Gillette and Robert L. Moore, the Black Panther comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and Hustle Harder Hustle Smarter by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

To the one I call the heart of Hip Hop, Badu , thank you again for your initial acknowledgement and support, and even more so for all your efforts of bringing healing light and indiscriminate love to the world. Finally to my children who continually fuel my soul to be a better man and bring me hope for the future, to their mothers that work so hard to care for them, thank you so much. I can say for certain that my experiences with each of you all were profound in helping me become who I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Website: samnightart.com
Instagram: @samnightart
Twitter: @samnightart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samnight77/