Photo courtesy: Marja Samsom

Marja Samsom: Shrine

The stylish, witty, and always colorful artist and storyteller Marja Samsom created the residency project Shrine, which combined art and life and food and color and adventure and music and more... Samsom engages performance art, objects d'art, cooking, stories, trust and thoughtfulness both in her Clocktower studio and through her ARTonAIR radio program Cooking Up A Storm. Her studio was open for viewing to the public and her culminating performance event took place on October 19, 2011, with a demonstration of all her talents and the full display of her residency installation. Dumplings were served.

Samsom’s studio is a site-specific installation reflecting the two divergent personalities Samsom brings to both her culinary creations and performance art: Miss Behave and the Dumpling Diva. As an itinerant prankster, Miss Behave is constantly questioning her surroundings and actions. As an ever pragmatic self-starter, the Dumpling Diva forges ahead regardless of the obstacles confronting her. Encompassing both of these perspectives, Samsom seeks to create a balanced artistic practice that is both whimsical and productive.

Shrine, A Performance by Marja Samsom

Marja Samsom cooked up a storm on Wednesday October 19, 2011 in the Shrine, a performance art piece that combines Samsom's two favorite things: delicious food and storytelling. This project is part of the Clocktower Emerging Artist Residency Program, made possible by the Jerome Foundation, which seeks to foster a dynamic and evolving culture by supporting the creation, development, and production of new works by emerging artists. Sign up for our newsletter, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to receive updates about this and other Clocktower events.