Please join us for EAC resident artist, Kristie Smith’s solo exhibition “A few small thoughts…” opening reception on Friday evening February 26th, 6-8Pm. Smith will be showcasing her recent creative works and bellow is in her own words.

These are two series of small scale oil paintings, one based on imagined scenes, the other on words. They are based on matches and burnt debris which I sift through, kind of like tea leaves, looking for an image or word to express deep ambivalence about the way I live in this always striving for more-better-bigger way of life.

A few small thoughts on self-destruction

This series of tromp l’oeil paintings is based on scenes I create using matches and debris.

“House Fire” shows a house composed of matches next to a small pile of spent matches –  is it ambivalence about home ownership?  Or a metaphor how fragile our world is, always on the brink of destruction?  

 “I did it to myself” is a self-portrait of my self-destructive tendencies. Hair on fire, body burnt and a small bit of potential for either repair or destruction left in one hand.

 “Campfire” is mostly about the fun of tromp l’oeil painting and playing with perspective in a two-dimensional image.

Dirty Words

This is a series of words that are both positive and negative.

For example the word “Yes” can be the  energizing breath that moves one forward, or the excessive surrender of self to outside demands.

“Why?” is both a simple question of motive and a cry of despair.

“Sure” is a way of avoiding having to yes or no to another person, a failure to be fully honest.