On Friday, warm orange lights showcased a fun new collection of prints, cardboard quilts and paintings, as the rain pounded outside the opening reception of Sam Beam’s “Recent Visual Works.” Despite the weather, Peel Gallery was packed for an evening of lively conversation and never-before-seen art from a well-known artist.
Sam Beam is the man behind indie-folk musician Iron & Wine. While many know him for his successful international music career — including his over four million Spotify listeners — fewer know about his background in the visual arts.
Beam has always had a multi-faceted love for creative expression, but he began leaning into visual arts recently, using painting, collaging and drawing as a way to alleviate the stress of touring. Many of his drawings were constructed in dressing rooms and hotels across the world, according to the gallery’s website.
Before starting his music career, he earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated from Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. Beam later taught film at the University of Miami and the Miami International University of Art & Design.
“I've thought very actively about an art career for a long time,” he said.
Beam's entrance into the professional music scene was unexpected, but since leaving teaching he has released nine studio albums, as well as many live albums, EPs and singles. He is a four-time Grammy nominee, including as a candidate for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Performance in 2020 and Best Folk Album in 2019.
“I love making music, and so I do it a lot,” Beam said. “But it also takes up a lot of time, so I think if I wasn't playing music, I would be making more art.”
