A man smiling and holding a small crystal and metal object in front of his face. There is text at the bottom that reads, 'Hi, I'm Sam Abundance.'

My Journey

My roots trace back to Mauritius, a small African island nation in the Indian Ocean. Generations ago, my ancestors were brought to India in the early 1900s—a legacy of migration that continues to shape my identity. Art has always been an inseparable part of who I am. From an early age, I was drawn to bold colors, intricate patterns, and the vibrant textures that surrounded me. Growing up in India, I was especially enchanted by the elegance of textiles, the delicate artistry of embroidery, and the timeless frescoes of Rajasthan and Agra. These early impressions continue to inspire and inform my creative journey today.

In the late 90s, I moved to Toronto after being accepted into the animation program at Sheridan College, eager to hone my skills. However, life took an unexpected turn. A series of difficult events led me to experience homelessness, forcing me to set aside my education and put my creative passions on hold in order to survive. For a while, art became a distant memory.

Despite these challenges, I never lost the drive to stay connected to my artistic self. It wasn’t until 2024, after the passing of my mother—who had always believed in my talent and encouraged me to nurture it—that I realized the time had come to fully embrace my creativity again.

The start of 2024 marked a turning point in my journey. I rediscovered the importance of art in my life and began to create once more. Now, as I return to the world of art, I do so with a deeper understanding of both my craft and myself. My life’s experiences shape my work, and my art is a reflection of the human experience—raw, personal, and full of meaning.

I create because I need to. It grounds me, connects me to my inner self, and allows me to express what words cannot. Art is not just something I do; it is an extension of my life, a fundamental part of my existence.

Thank you for taking the time to read and connect with my story. Every piece I create is infused with intention, and each tells a unique story. I hope that through my work, you find a connection, a reflection of your own human experience.

My Art

Through my practice, I examine the intersection of identity, society, and transformation, seeking to connect individual stories to universal themes. I bring both creative expression and practical application into dialogue, blending aesthetics with purpose to create work that is both visually compelling and deeply thoughtful. 

Multidisciplinary is not just a stylistic choice for me, but a necessary reflection of my nature. It allows me to encompass the full scope of my imagination and curiosity; while also tapping into the technicality and precision I developed through my design background. From painting and drawing to printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, video, and installation, my work spans a wide range of media and techniques. I often incorporate found objects, textiles, and photo-based elements, with a particular interest in hybrid forms that merge visual art with performance, history, and science. 

My journey began with drawing and painting, particularly focused on the human figure and portraiture. These early works were driven by an impulse to explore the deeper layers of humanity—not in a narrow, human-centric way, but as a means of accessing a universal truth that connects all of us. In a time of increasing isolation and division, my art seeks to counteract the narratives that separate us, instead emphasizing our shared experiences and interconnectedness. 

My process is one of constant experimentation—testing new materials, processes, and combinations. As a bi-ethnic person, I am drawn to hybrid forms, not just as an aesthetic, but as a reflection of my own experience. The blending of materials, cultures, and concepts in my work mirrors my own identity, offering a space where the boundaries between mediums, disciplines, and personal histories dissolve. 

Through my art, I aim to create experiences that are as much about process as they are about product—offering viewers a moment to reflect on their own connections to the world around them, and to each other. My work is an invitation to explore the complexities of identity, humanity, and the transformative power of art, while remaining rooted in the belief that beauty and purpose can coexist.

My CV

Education

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design
International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT), New Delhi, India — 1995

Diploma in Women’s Wear Design
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, India — 1997

Studies in Classical Animation (non-completion)
Sheridan College, Toronto, Canada — 1998

Diploma in Hairstyling
L’Oréal Academy, Toronto, Canada — 1999

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2019Solo Exhibition, Dew Gallery, Yorkville, Toronto

  • 2004Solo Exhibition, Spin Art Gallery, Toronto

  • 2002Solo Exhibition, Gladstone Hotel, Toronto

  • 2001Solo Exhibition, Yorkville, Toronto

Group Exhibitions & Public Art

  • 2024Group Exhibition, Laguna Beach, California

  • 2014Group Exhibition, Fleck Gallery, Toronto

  • 2009Mirrors, Ball and Chains, Nuit Blanche, Yorkville, Toronto

  • 2008How to Fly a Kite, Nuit Blanche, Church of the Redeemer, Toronto

  • 2006Group Exhibition, Gladstone Hotel, Toronto

Publications, Media & Awards

  • 2024Wild Chakra Kids (Illustrator), National Parenting Product Award Winner

  • 2003 — Featured hair styling, Flare Magazine (Centerfold)

  • 2019 — Chalk art and visual design for commercial productions

  • 2013 — Commissioned holiday card series, Roots Canada

Selected Professional & Creative Collaborations

  • 2011 — Freelance mural work, Lululemon Canada (Flagship Store, Toronto)

  • 2010–2014 — Hair and visual styling for television series Best Recipes Ever, featuring hosts Kary Osmond and Christine Tizzarda

Areas of Practice

Multidisciplinary visual art, textile-based work, upcycled and reclaimed materials, mixed media, installation, illustration, fashion and textile design, site-responsive and community-based work.

Professional Summary

Multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of textile, image, and installation. My practice explores transformation, material memory, and sustainability through the reuse of found and discarded materials, informed by a background in fashion, illustration, and cultural storytelling.