Life can feel like being on the nth season of a show where the writers seem to have lost the plot. Samantha Lee is here to remind us that that actually can be the best part.
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One of the many struggles of being an artist and creative is knowing when to stop. When conceptualizing a piece of art, and subsequently bringing that idea into reality, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to keep adding more layers and complexity in order for it to be effective.
This delicate dance can apply to many things, including and especially, the artwork that is you. As an artist, you know that skill progression is going to be a never-ending battle between your creative appetite and your ego. As a human being, however, while we are aware that learning is a lifelong endeavor, it’s so easy for us to beat ourselves up for not matching our idealized selves. Sometimes, we get so lost in the hustle that we forget to take a moment to appreciate ourselves in the moment—ourselves as living, breathing works of art that will always change.
Button-down shirt, trousers, necktie by @patricklazol; Beret by @rimasarmiento; Loafers by @itag.manila
It’s this mindset of continuous progression, and providing a platform for those who wish for their voices to be heard and their experiences to be witnessed, that director and scriptwriter Samantha Lee embodies with her approach to her work. With the narratives she helps to craft, she helps us realize the truth of ourselves and of others as works-in-progress.
EMBRACING THE CRAFT
Black double breasted blazer by @d.d.daily; Button-down shirt, White double breasted blazer, necktie, trousers by @naomingdesigns; Beret Hat by @rimasarmiento; Loafers by @itag.manila
The idea of the self can be a very sensitive topic. We have the tendency to view it as a final destination or a MacGuffin that will solve all our problems once we can firmly grasp it in our hands. But what if that mythical, perfect version of us isn’t something we should be searching for, but rather something we constantly create? In this area, Samantha may have the right idea. When it comes to self-actualization, she says, “[It] isn’t something that you can necessarily find, it’s something that you build and shape for yourself.”
If we saw ourselves as more malleable, and explored the freedom that that view can give us, it would relieve the pressure we often feel to have ourselves figured out. Samanthat admits, “I see myself as a work in progress. And I think that we are all constantly in a state of progress. Our identities can evolve. Our labels can evolve. Who we love is definitely going to change as we grow older.”
Blazer by @d.d.daily; Button-down shirt, corset belt, trousers, necktie, beret by @exploreeastofeden
The subject of who we love is another such sensitive topic, especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It can be difficult to figure out this part of yourself on your own, let alone when there are people out there telling you you’re wrong for something that’s just instinctual. This is one of the reasons Samantha does what she does. In her words: “The hope is that life is even a little bit easier for people to walk down this path.”
A key part of encouraging people to go after what’s in their hearts is sometimes showing them that their experiences are shared. That’s why, in all of her projects, Samantha aims to give opportunities for queer creatives to shine: “There are so many more stories to tell, with a lot of people capable of telling them! We’re just out here waiting for our chance.”
THE TRAP OF “KNOWING”
Relatability and authenticity are both extremely important to Gen Z. This is an area where social media can play the dual role of both an ally and an enemy. On the one hand, with people sharing stories and memes we feel seen, heard, and validated. Sometimes, however, this can give us a misguided sense of feeling like we know everything there is to know about something after reading a couple of articles or forum posts. This includes giving ourselves timelines – if there are people on social media my age who are successful, why can’t I be?
“To have this pressure to know who you are, at such a young age is a great fallacy, because that only limits you and who you can be,” Samantha muses. This sentiment can be extremely powerful. It allows us to adapt to new circumstances and try on different hats and traverse different paths, which should give us a wider perspective of ourselves and the world.
Gen Zs notably have a very globalized mindset, thanks in no small part to the development of information technology. With today’s generation holding the title of the “woke generation”, sometimes we can be led into thinking that we have our allyship basics down pat. But sometimes what gets lost in the politicking and debating is simpler than we realize.
“I think the biggest misconception about the queer community – or people who are different from you – is that you have more differences than what you have in common. The work that I’m trying to do with my films is to show all these different worlds: so that people realize that I have something in common with this group who I totally knew nothing about,” Samantha explains.
Unfamiliar things can make us nervous, and admitting to not knowing things can be scary. But the thing about admitting to the unknown is that it keeps us upon to new things, leaving room for growth and understanding.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Generation Now has taken plenty of steps forward when it comes to having compassion and curiosity for marginalized groups. But Samantha believes that there is more that we can do: “I always say that the change needs to be systemic—the fight isn’t just for better representation but a holistic acceptance of women and the LGBTQIA+ community in our systemic structures that ensure that we have agency over our own lives.”
Having the ability to control the general direction of your life is a privilege that not everyone has, even in 2024. And this is something that we should actively pursue. For everyday, and for yourself, empowerment isn’t really about perfection. It’s not like you only get to live the life you want once you’ve reached this dream version of yourself. You can actually start now.
As Samantha puts it: “Self-acceptance for me isn’t purely about your SOGIE or your identity, it’s the ability to love your entire self- both the good and the bad. It’s about making peace with the fact that you will always hold light and darkness inside you and that’s okay. It’s an on-going, ever-evolving process, and there are days when it’s easy and days when it’s hard.”
Button-down shirt, Bustier jacket, Trousers by @patricklazol; Necktie by @exploreeastofeden; Loafers by @itag.manila
Photography PAOLO PINEDA
Creative and Fashion Direction ANDRE CHANG
Art Direction GELO QUIJENCIO
Styling ANDRE CHANG
Assisted by KURT ABONAL, MARIA PAZ GAMUS
Multimedia Artists KYLA AMADORA, ABBY CHUA
Makeup Artist THAZZIA FALEK
Hair Stylist ARTURO TOLENTINO
Production Design SOFIA TAN
Shoot Coordination JASMIN DASIGAN
Shot at STUDIO BLANC
Editor-In-Chief MAGGIE BATACAN
Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA
Brand Associate BIANCA LAO
Marketing Services Manager MARVIN MANCERA
Ad & Promo Supervisor SOPHIA SAMALA
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