I don’t know why, but some types of people are common (and dominate the social ecology). Others are rare. Some I wish were common. I think of my friend Sam, otherwise known as the artist Samantha Dawn Kuhlman.
Although she sometimes presents as a super goof in social spaces, Kuhlman has a stubborn independence of mind. One that resists all imposition of hierarchies on things. One time, I heard someone gush that she was the coolest, to which she replied, “But everybody’s the coolest.” (Not true.)
For that reason, I think she would (kindly) hate this introduction. And perhaps the premise of all broadcast media—which to some extent has always been about putting exceptional individuals on platforms (pedestals) so they can perpetuate new social types among us (influence).
Let me describe Kuhlman. She is from the Buckeye State. She is a trained actor. She is obsessed with purple (purple everything). She gives strangers long loving hugs. She is an original thinker, and replies thoughtfully and “essayistically.” She involves others in childlike play. She is learning to be a pilot. And she came to our (audio-only) interview dressed as a snail (with the gentle admonition that we can all slow down).
Cincinnatus Hibbard: Samantha Dawn Kuhlman, introduce yourself.
Samantha Dawn Kuhlman: Shout out to my parents for creating me and giving me this name. I’d consider myself a curious heart in motion, multidisciplinary artist and creative guide for play, presence and expression.
What are your principal media at this time?
Good thing you mentioned ‘at this time’; otherwise, we could go on forever. Creation of all sorts, especially performance and visual arts. Lately, I’ve been deep diving into meditation. It’s been special to learn perspectives that feel familiar, as if I have practiced them my whole life.
Tell us about infinity, one of the main themes in your work and philosophy.
At times, I’ve felt lost because the things I’m most sure about are infinite: learning, growing, creating, adventuring… Eventually, I realized one of my favorite feelings is being lost, but at peace within that lostness. Infinity reminds me there is always more to explore.
Tell us about play.
So important to remember. There is no wrong way to play. It’s a pathway to presence, creativity and connection.
Tell us about dance.
I took dance classes as a child and somehow by high school I was too cool to be seen moving in my body around other humans. Later, I found flow arts (meditative dance with LED or fire props), rediscovered my love for dance, and to this day, movement is my favorite form of medicine. It isn’t about what it looks like—it’s about how it feels.
Tell us about love. As I discern it, another of the themes that you bring forth in life and art.
Pretty sure this is the answer to everything when it comes down to it. If there’s one thing I have, it’s an infinite amount of love. I believe it’s within us all, even when it’s difficult to see.
Tell us about keeping an open heart.
Sometimes, I get my feelings hurt easily. I try to see this as an opportunity for growth. In difficult moments, somehow remembering the hurt only exists because I have love, and that love doesn’t go away no matter what, feels better than closing my heart.
Learn more: Kuhlman invites creative exploration and connection through art, movement, performances, guided meditations and hoop dance workshops. A forever student, she translates and shares what she learns, offering spaces designed for people to feel grounded enough to explore and open enough to grow. Explore samanthadawn.art or @artvibrations on Instagram.
