Washington II
Most surprisingly, and not long after a critically acclaimed show at the Gail Chase gallery in Bellevue, Washington in 1978, Sams abandoned the professional art world. Those who knew him were stunned and disappointed, especially gallery owners. A large number of artworks were left unfinished.
Although he continued to teach weekly ceramics classes at the Seward Park Clay Studio, he became a real estate agent and investor. In 1980, he wrote:
I don’t know if things have slowed down any concerning my ideas and struggles with the properties I’m managing. I think I am beginning to get used to the kind of actions that happen; and I’m developing thicker skin to the problem areas. I wish that my financial ideas worked more smoothly so that I could become less greedy in my pursuit for money to make the payments. I suppose that too will cure itself with time.
This new year looks to be the best to come along for us since Cynthia + I met. I am looking forward to it.
(Writings)
In 1995, a major flood devastated the Sams’ property.
We’ve been BADLY hit by floods—did about $30,000 damage + gov’t is only allocating @$2,000. Took out our concrete restraining wall + big trees + shrubs. There’s a pit there about 20’ deep and over 100’ long, + no other help from other gov’t agencies. Last night we were out in freezing winds + snow wrapping out water pipes which were exposed. We had to be helicoptered out— this flood was FAR worse than the ‘75 flood. We are in a pretty desperate mess, of damage to garage, art bldgs, house foundation, roof, + car + truck, etc., etc. Thanks for thinking of us. These are holidays we won’t soon forget.
We’re sitting ducks for next flood—no protection + can’t yet afford to fill hole etc.