Hello hello! I’m Samela St. Pierre, an illustrator and community artist working in Framingham, Massachusetts.

I paint in watercolor and draw with ink. Growing up in New York with immigrant parents and grandparents from Peru and the Dominican Republic, I started off elementary school speaking only Spanish. I drew all recess, lunch hour and time spent waiting for the bus. Eventually, kids began approaching me to request drawings of Pokemon, tigers and dogs. I guess not too much has changed since then, besides I can answer requests with eye contact and words now too, not just pictures.

I believe in sustainability and honoring the earth. I’ve worked on organic farms, community gardens and permaculture forests. I do my best to cut down waste throughout my art process by opting for non-toxic paints, choosing recycled and compostable shipping material, and biking, skating or walking to the post office and art supply store.

I believe there’s a responsibility for those of us who create. Art has the power to give voice to the silenced. Representation in media allows people who’ve felt invisible to be seen. My intention is to incite reflection and self inquiry. That people might see one another with compassion.