Samo (@samofrais) is a chef and digital creative based in Houston. We sat down with him to discuss his career journey and how art inspires his professional and personal life.
Welcome to our Inner Worlds series, where we step into the personal realms of art lovers from all walks of life, exploring the profound ways in which art is integrated into their lives.
Delve into Samo’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of his favorite pieces on SINGULART:
Let’s start with an introduction. Can you tell us about your upbringing?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Killeen, Texas, before settling in Houston seven years ago. My passion for cooking started back in middle school, but it really stems from my family, particularly my grandmother, who used to host lively gatherings filled with music and laughter back in Michigan. Those moments of cooking, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company laid the foundation for what people now see online.
When I was growing up, my mother worked long hours, so my sister, my cousin, and I would often hang together after school. I used to spend a lot of time watching the Food Network, and one day I saw an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” featuring a chef making Captain Crunch pancakes. I was immediately inspired. I dashed into the kitchen, grabbed the Captain Crunch and pancake mix, and got to work. It was the first time I had ever really cooked something from scratch. I remember my sister and cousin devouring the pancakes. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and discovering my passion for cooking.
Can you share the story behind your creative pseudonym?
My name, Samo, actually comes from the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who used it as his graffiti tag in collaboration with another artist in New York. I came across this name while watching a documentary about him, where he revealed himself through his tagging. I found the idea intriguing, symbolizing the power and relevancy of past influences. Samo was actually the name of my secondary art dump pages on platforms such as TikTok. It’s fascinating how everything ended up connecting in unexpected ways.
When did you decide to focus on cooking full-time?
My journey actually started quite unintentionally back in 2021. I was initially focused on creating art–paintings and these unique cereal bowl candles–with the idea of selling them on a website I was building. To promote these products, I started creating organic content, featuring them in videos. My first video, posted when I had just 73 followers (mostly friends and family), unexpectedly went viral, hitting 100,000 views and resulting in the sale of 50 candles. A few days later, I posted another video, this time a cooking video sparked by a conversation with someone new I was dating. We had eaten something memorable at a restaurant, and I wanted to recreate it, incorporating the candle into the video. That video skyrocketed to 1 million views and boosted my follower count to nearly 30,000. At that point, I made the decision to shift my focus from candles to cooking and haven’t looked back since.
What inspires your approach to cooking?
I view cooking more as a form of artistic expression rather than a precise science. While baking, for example, does require careful attention to temperature and measurements for things to rise and cook properly, I approach cooking much like my grandmother did–with intuition and a sense of what feels right in terms of seasoning, like the perfect balance of salt and sugar. To me, cooking is akin to creating art. I draw inspiration from Michelin-starred restaurants, where it’s not just about how the food tastes, but the entire dining experience–from the presentation on the plate to the ambiance of the setting. It’s all about meticulous attention to detail.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build confidence in the kitchen?
I believe the key to gaining confidence in the kitchen is understanding the fundamentals. Once you grasp the basics, you can begin to experiment and unleash your creativity. Start by cooking dishes you love and explore from there. Cooking allows you to travel the world through different cuisines and cultures, right from your own kitchen. There are plenty of resources available, such as YouTube videos and cookbooks, to guide you along the way. Remember, it’s okay not to take cooking too seriously. When I first started out, my dishes weren’t always perfect, but I learned from my mistakes and continued to improve. Embrace the learning process and have fun with it. Take the time to educate yourself before diving in, even I do that when encountering new recipes.
What is the underlying theme/message you want to convey with the food that you create and share?
My main message revolves around fostering creativity and continually reimagining familiar concepts. Take, for example, one of my favorite recipes: butter chicken. I could enjoy it repeatedly for an entire year without growing tired of it. However, what excites me is introducing people to innovative variations of familiar recipes. By presenting well-known dishes in unexpected ways, such as butter chicken tacos or butter chicken pizza, I aim to encourage others to think outside the box and embrace imaginative cooking. The overarching idea is to challenge black-and-white thinking and to keep pushing culinary boundaries.
How would you describe your living space?
I would describe the atmosphere as moody, with low lights and warm lighting, creating a cozy and artistic ambiance. It’s a space that feels like home, where you can truly exist comfortably. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that is inviting and comfortable, rather than feeling like a gallery.
How do you incorporate art into your living space?
In each apartment or room I’ve lived in, I’ve treated the space as a canvas for my artistic expression. When I moved into my current home, I approached it with the intention of reflecting my current stage in life. It’s about turning unexpected situations into something beautiful, creating a self-made environment. Every piece of art in my home began as basic materials from Home Depot and art stores–wood, nails, glue, and canvas. I’m involved in every step of the process, from building the canvas to creating the artwork itself. The unique shapes of the rooms often required custom canvases, which I learned to build myself rather than outsourcing. Being surrounded by art inspires me every day, whether I’m cooking or simply spending time at home.
Do you have any specific artwork that holds special significance to you?
I’m not entirely sure why I feel such a strong connection to this particular painting, but it’s my own rendition of Basquiat’s Walking with Death. I originally created it in my previous home, and now in my current residence, I have a larger canvas stretching across the entire living room wall featuring four versions of it. It’s a piece that resonates with me deeply, despite not fully understanding why. It’s as if Basquiat’s presence is walking alongside me in my everyday life.
When curating your space, what inspires your choices?
In designing my home, I aim for the same level of refinement as I do with my culinary creations. Even if I’m recreating something as ubiquitous as a McDonald’s Big Mac, I strive to elevate it. Similarly, with furniture choices, I wanted an elevated aesthetic while maintaining comfort. Take, for instance, the couch in my living room, positioned beneath my Walking with Death painting. This painting depicts a skeleton and exudes a cool, stark vibe against the black wall. To complement it, I opted for a low-to-the-ground couch made of brown leather, resembling the texture of a horse or cow. The contrast between the painting and the couch creates a visually striking yet harmonious connection that just felt right to me.
How do you spend your free time when you’re not cooking?
I’ve found myself coming full circle with my hobbies, aligning closely with my passion for healthy living. Despite creating indulgent recipes, I’ve become increasingly interested in promoting a healthier lifestyle, focusing on nutrition, understanding the body, and incorporating specific exercises. During my downtime, I enjoy watching films, as I’m inspired by different lighting techniques. I often watch lighting tutorials on YouTube to enhance my skills further. While many admire my filming style, I’m constantly seeking inspiration from others’ work to push myself even further.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to discover their personal artistic style/preferences?
I would advise to trust your instincts and choose artwork that resonates with you emotionally. Each piece you select should evoke a feeling or motivate you in some way. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to switch it out until you find pieces that truly inspire you. For artists trying to define their style, I recommend exploring the works of those you admire. By studying the art of others, you can begin to develop your own voice and unique style. Pay homage to the artists who inspire you as you discover your own artistic identity.
Delve into Samo’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of his favorite pieces on SINGULART:
