Photo by: Sean Gravem

As a young resourceful artist Sammy started at the age 5 drawing with crayon, pencil, and chalk on any available surface. Two years later he was chosen to attend a private art school in the Philippines where he was born and raised. Armed with natural abilities, he found great comfort in swimming that helped change his health and life with asthma. A relationship with art and water is like breathing to him.
  He immigrated to Santa Cruz, California at 14 and immediately fell for the local beach life. Can we blame him? After all, we’re sea dwelling creatures at heart. He was frequently seen at the local waters as a body boarder, lifeguard, and swimming instructor. He explored many hidden and popular surf spots in California and Hawaii with friends collecting memories from behind the lens. Granted with another art scholarship; his creativity evolved naturally progressed. He quickly gained praise from peers for his impressive work ethic, energy, and passion. He became known as an artist and waterman in the local community. A unique style and versatility in the water earned him recognition and a seat in pro body boarding. The sport and art he loves become a constant balancing act until he found his talent and place in ocean photography. The admiration for majestic powerful waves never fade with his artistic sense, keen perspective, curious blend of natural light, shape, and color; playing with the rules to make new technology work for his own style of image composition in great detail. He hopes for better understanding and preservation of our shores; sharing and inspiring everyone