Containment & Growth – Natasha Smith shows new work at the Dancing Bear Inn
By Contributor
This coming Friday (October 10) from 6-8 p.m. Slocan Valley artist Natasha Smith is opening a new show Containment & Growth at the Dancing Bear Inn in Nelson.
Smith’s latest works are inspired by time spent by the Slocan River and walking the Slocan Valley Rail Trail that runs right by her studio in Passmore. Smith explains:
“In this new series I work intuitively, allowing process, landscape and a love of the primitive mark to inform my work. Each panel holds a circular form that combines collage elements including natural and collected materials, each work relates directly to an experience or memory of place.”
This collection of collage paintings have complex, layered surfaces. Smith developed this technique originally through the creation of collaged printmaking plates (collagraphs), where she found the printmaking plates were often as interesting as the prints. These semi-abstract works combine collage materials with various acrylic mediums on a wooden panel.
“By juxtaposing elements and surfaces with contrasting natures: opaque and transparent, strong and subtle marks, textured and smooth surfaces, themes of fragility, strength, containment and growth are suggested.” says Smith.
Smith shows her work regularly and is happy to be returning to the Dancing Bear Inn who host a lovely opening, and are very supportive of local artists.
Smith holds a B.A in Fine Art Printmaking and has been a practicing artist and teacher for over 14 years. She was a founding member of what is now the Oxygen Art Centre and offers classes through Oxygen including low-tech printmaking, collage painting, abstraction and the creation of shadow boxes. For information on upcoming classes visit: www.oxygenartcentre.org.
This show runs until early January at the Dancing Bear Inn, 171 Baker St, Nelson.
For more information contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
