Meet Ontario-based Designer Samantha Goh
SAMANTHA GOH is a designer/maker living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (https://samantha-goh.com/)
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Toronto?
SAMANTHA GOH: I was born and raised in Melaka, Malaysia. My family and I moved to Toronto when I was 15 years old in hopes for a better future and for me to further my education in North America.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?
For a long time, I struggled with my identity of being a Catholic and an artist/maker. I kept these two sides of myself separated because I felt like I didn't really belong in either; I was too artsy in one community and too Catholic in the other. On top of that, I did not know anyone else that could relate to my situation. I was very new to the industry at that time and I just wanted to belong.
I grew up as a cradle Catholic, but did not truly experience a personal relationship with God until my early 20s. At one point in my life, I had placed my entire identity in being a creative individual.
Editor’s note: We are THRILLED to say Samantha is responsible for our new logo! She was fantastic to work with. Thanks, Samantha!
Fast forward a few years, my struggle and desire to belong was answered through service in ministry. As I grew in my relationship with Christ, the identity I placed on being an artist/maker did not overwhelm me.
Instead, I leaned into my identity as a beloved daughter of the Father. I learned how to use these God-given gifts to serve his Church. I got involved in Youth and Young Adult Ministry in my parish and neighbourhood. I would create marketing material for events, social media and even dabbled in photography.
As a graphic designer, my job is to communicate with clarity and functionality the essence of an organization. I have a desire to work full time with parishes, ministries, communities and organizations of the faith to bring this into the Church.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
I have found support in the Church especially when I am given wonderful opportunities to serve my community. One of the most recent projects I completed was a hand-lettered mural in the youth room of my parish. I sketched out my idea and digitally rendered the mural. With the help of some youth volunteers, we painted the mural of St. John Paul II’s quote in one afternoon! It was such a wonderful experience and my very first time completing a project at this scale.
Samantha’s mural.
Which parish do you attend in Toronto? Do you participate in any church groups you would recommend to others?
My home parish is St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in North York. My parish is like a second home to me. In the past year, during the lockdown (when churches were closed except for private prayer), my parish would have the Blessed Sacrament exposed for us to spend some time with the Lord.
I am also involved in a young adults ministry in the Eastern region of the Greater Toronto area (GTA) called Spiritus Via. We would host monthly (online, due to the pandemic) ministry gatherings to learn about our faith while growing in fellowship and supporting the community during these unique circumstances.
I am a part of a women’s group where we often read and discuss faith-based books weekly (virtually of course). We just completed a book by Father Jacques Philippe, “Searching for and Maintaining Peace.” (Editor’s note: This book is great.)
What is your daily artistic practice?
My daily artistic practice is to do something creative for fun, even for 10 to 15 minutes a day. I am a graphic designer at my full-time job, so some days it can be a little mentally exhausting. This is why I believe it is so important to let my mind wander and create something with my hands.
I am currently embroidering a tote bag for my mom during my spare time. I also dabble in hand lettering, photography, food styling and watercolours. I highly encourage everyone to pick up a pen, a brush or some clay and let your mind wander, it really helps to get the creative juices flowing.