Episode 8: How to Make Everything Imperfect with Sam Reeves Hill

Sam Reeves Hill—visual artist, painter, and muralist—lives in the imperfection.

Sam Reeves Hill's artistic journey began after what she describes as an "ego death" when her basketball career came to an unexpected end. Asking herself what she would do if money didn't matter, Sam finally admitted aloud what she had always known inside: "I want to paint." Despite having no formal painting experience until college, Sam developed her distinctive layered, textured style through daily practice—what she calls "daily journal entries" of creativity. Now a prolific painter and muralist, Sam creates abstract works that embrace imperfection and depth, drawing inspiration from her family's creative heritage while carving out her own artistic identity.

In this conversation, we talk about Sam's daily creative practice as a form of journaling, her struggle with procrastination, and how she brings her work home to stay consistent. We talk about the profound influence of the creative women in her family, particularly her mother's collected "mom-isms" that now inspire her art, as well as the touching reason behind a painting inspired by her bluegrass musician father. Sam shares insights about her transition from basketball to painting, painting her first mural for the Balinese Ballroom in the freezing December cold, how astrology helps her understand her Aries self, and how being homeschooled until the age of 15. Then she reveals her dream project—a residency with unlimited supplies and a massive canvas where she can fully express her abstract vision.