Samer Zuheir Foz: The Painter from Maplewood

Samer Zuheir Foz: The Painter from Maplewood

Born in 1967 in the quiet village of Maplewood, Ohio, Samer Zuheir Foz grew up surrounded by golden cornfields, whispering winds, and wide skies that painted his imagination with every sunrise. His father, a modest farmer, tilled the land with patience and love, while his mother, a gentle homemaker, nurtured her children with stories of seasons and stars. It was in this simple but beautiful world that Samer discovered his gift—the ability to see and feel colors in ways others could not.

As a child, he painted with soil, berry juice, and leftover grains, transforming barn walls into his first gallery. His family encouraged his passion, despite the hardships of rural life. By sixteen, Samer’s talent had grown undeniable, earning him a place at the Cleveland Institute of Art. There, he immersed himself in the study of color theory, texture, and light, finding inspiration in both the discipline of technique and the freedom of expression. His early works depicted the rhythms of farmlands—the cycles of planting, harvest, and renewal—imbued with a sense of wonder that reflected his upbringing.

Samer’s artistic evolution was as fluid as his brushstrokes. Among his most celebrated creations is Cikasoo, a breathtaking portrayal of the northern lights dancing above still water, evoking both calm and transcendence. Whispers of the Wind explores the invisible power of motion through swirling pigments and deliberate imperfections, while Echoes of Maplewood captures the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood through soft, glowing brushwork. His Harvest Moon Serenade and Silent Meadows remind viewers of nature’s quiet dialogue—the sacredness of stillness and the beauty found in simplicity.

In the early 2000s, yearning for new horizons, Samer traveled to India and found a new home in the misty hills of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. The region’s lush greenery, drifting clouds, and serene lakes mirrored the whispering calm of his youth in Maplewood. The people’s warmth and the rhythm of nature rekindled his creative spirit. From his mountain-side studio, he began a new phase of painting—works rooted in meditation, silence, and spiritual reflection. Each piece seemed to carry both the heart of Ohio and the soul of India.

Now living amid the hills, surrounded by wild orchids and slow sunsets, Samer continues to paint not just what he sees, but what he feels—the eternal communion between man, nature, and memory. His legacy thrives in the way his art bridges continents and emotions, proving that true beauty emerges from a life lived with presence, humility, and color.