Kamuy is inspired by the designs and aesthetics of the Indigenous Japanese Ainu tribes. Kamuy is the name given to the spirit animal deities revered in Ainu mythology. Tribal art has always been a major source of inspiration for my work, and the Ainu was a form of tribal art that I stumbled across in March 2025.
What I found really appealing about the Ainu aesthetic was its stark similarity to the Pacific Northwest Coast tribes such as the Haida or Tsimshian, while also mirroring other tribal styles like the Shipibo-Conibo of Peru. With its intricate, geometric-based designs, Ainu art spoke a form of visionary language to me.
The Ainu believed Kamuy bears could travel between the spirit world and the human world, acting as messengers between realms. In the same way, Kamuy becomes a powerful metaphor for human wisdom: it reminds us that true growth comes from adaptability, the ability to shift shape not just in body, but in mind, emotion, and spirit.
Just as the bear moves between worlds, we’re called to move between roles, perspectives, and life stages with awareness and grace. Wisdom isn’t rigid. It’s fluid. It’s knowing when to be still and when to transform, when to stand your ground and when to evolve. The shape-shifter is not unstable. It is deeply tuned to the currents of life, changing form not to escape reality, but to meet it more fully.
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About Samuel Farrand
Samuel Farrand began creating psychedelic art in 1998 following his first visionary experience, but it wasn’t until 2007 that his visual focus began to crystallize into the body of work he is known for today. Inspired by the psychedelic styles of Alex Grey, Robert Venosa, Victor Moscoso, Luke Brown, and Xavi Panneton, his artistic path was deeply influenced by their ability to unlock new visual languages rooted in consciousness.
His work blends neon color palettes, intricate mandalas, and layered patterns to tell symbolic, often personal stories. Each piece carries intention—sometimes spiritual, sometimes emotional, always deliberate.
Over the years, Farrand’s art has been featured in exhibitions with collectives like Threyda and alongside artists such as Android Jones, Jake Amason, Glass Crane, and Justin Totemical. His visuals have appeared in immersive environments at Burning Man and psytrance festivals around the world, as well as in collaboration with renowned projection artist Jonathan Singer, known for his visuals on the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well tour. His artwork has also accompanied live sets by Trip-Hop pioneer Dave Tipper.
Beyond the festival scene, Farrand’s creations have found homes in larger installations at Meow Wolf locations in Las Vegas and Santa Fe. A standout moment in his career came when one of his works was featured on the cover of Ayahuasca: A Test Pilot’s Handbook by Chris Kilham, a moment made even more significant when it appeared live on CNN.
Those interested in exploring the process and philosophy behind his work are invited to learn more on his dedicated artist page.