Samantha Wascher is a Chicago based artist who was born and raised in Cicero, Illinois.  She later relocated to the south suburb of Tinley Park, and then to Lemont where she currently resides.  This drastic change of atmosphere from urban to suburban has inspired her artwork, mainly her photography.  "I have a completely different view of the world than most people.  There are so many different components to every aspect of life, and I feel that it is our calling, as artists, to capture a certain essence and use that to connect with the viewer.  I strive for finding the beauty in all situations around us, and my artwork reflects that."   Wascher received her bachelors degree in Art and Design with a focus in Secondary Education from Saint Xavier University.  "My two passions in life are taking moving photographs and making connections with people; art and education combine those two actions in the most intricate way possible.  The outcome is unstoppable."   Wascher uses her high energy and creativity to her advantage by blending those characteristics with her free-flowing spirit; this is evident in her photographs.  "I pride myself on being a free spirit.  Although there is honor in structure, I believe that our natural instincts to expand our wings is the path creativity should take.  We should never cage our hopes; our dreams; our spirits; our creative energy."  Wascher started the Digital Photography program at Aurora Central Catholic High School, in which she has won two National Educator Medals awarded by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. She intends on keeping her photographical work flowing, and always stays open to new artistic and freelance opportunities. "Failure does not exist.  Learning and growth come from a stopped-short opportunity.  I would never know how strong I am if I had never failed at anything."