Meet Samuel Ugarte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Ugarte.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was raised in a rough side of Phoenix by my parents Samuel Ugarte Sr. and Mariaelena Ugarte. I was heavily involved in Fine Arts at a young age. I sang for a mariachi group, danced baile Folklórico, and acted. I was able to perform throughout the valley and meet many talented people. I also learned how to fly cessnas and many other survival skills with an Air Force Auxiliary program called Civil Air Patrol. My parents worked hard and eventually moved us to a small farm town south of Phoenix known as Laveen. It has grown a lot since then. That is where my love for the outdoors flourished. Aside from my school sports, I rode our horses often and enjoyed hunting and fishing. I had a busy but interesting childhood.

After a shoulder injury in football, my dreams of playing it in college came to an end. I couldn’t bear being away from the game and immediately found a coaching opportunity. While I was in college, I coached in the school district I attended as a child. Phoenix Elementary School District. I fell in love with working with our youth. They are humanity’s hope.

I eventually became a teacher at Laveen Elementary School. I coached the football team and started a boys mentoring group. After five years of coaching and teaching, I moved on to working in the Agriculture industry. There I learned business management and Precision Agriculture.

My wife and I saved up, split our property and rented out the house and front half acre. We moved into our fifth wheel and began developing the back half acre. I built a small shop and began working on my artwork full time. We are holding off on having children until we have accomplished some of our life goals. Alexandria Marie Ugarte (wife) has been an amazing partner in this journey we call life. One of my best friends Roy New III (Tres) joined me in building our company. I’ve been blessed with integral people in my life.

I am creating art that will help clean the oceans, feed the hungry, and help heal mental illness. Amongst other fundraising activities we organize, I am creating a charity peace every year, that will be auctioned off to raise money for a chosen charity or individuals in need. I think it’s important to help the average person with random acts of kindness. When we are all focused on popular charities, it is easy to forget about others in temporary need. With the help of our friends on social media, we have grown our helping hand’s reach. Humanity has its flaws but I am permanently in love with the potential good in people.

Please tell us about your art.
My artwork is mainly made from a variety of wood. Just like every one of you, every piece is unique. A percentage of our profit is set aside for random acts of kindness that will involve our friends on social media. My time is my most valuable asset. I am honored in dedicating it to all of you. My talents are simply my tools to help build a better world.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Definitely. Art has many forms and is appreciated on a universal level.

When society is divided due to social and political beliefs, it is our duty as artists to bring some beauty and harmony to settle the dust. While our intellectual differences trouble our minds, art is always there to soothe the soul.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Mainly on Social Media. @bullbuiltcustoms or on my personal pages under Samuel Ugarte.

Just by liking and sharing our posts, you are helping spread a great message.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6029356503
• Email: bullbuiltcustoms@gmail.com
• Instagram: @bullbuiltcustoms
• Facebook: @bullbuiltcustoms

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.