Art399 Portfolio

Author/Artist Name

Sadie Smith, Murray State UniversityFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Junior

Date of Creation

Fall 12-11-2024

Artist Statement

My work mainly consists of drawing, using charcoal, ink, and pastels to create pieces that emphasize stark contrasts and surreal, dreamlike atmospheres. The contrast between rendered forms and flat backgrounds creates a sense of timelessness, as if the subjects exist in a space removed from reality. This quality is evident in pieces like “Three Birds,” where three women appear to float in an undefined, eerie environment. The implausibility of the forms and their ethereal nature contribute to the dreamlike quality of the imagery, making it clear that these scenes could not exist in the real world. The themes I explore generally fall into two categories: personal experiences, or larger societal issues. In “Guilt,” I delve into the inner struggles of a woman suffering from anxiety and shame following an abortion. The stark contrasts and monochromatic tones convey the weight of her emotions. Conversely, “Tsar” critiques the power and influence of the wealthy elite, using dark, imposing imagery to challenge the viewer’s perceptions of authority. These themes allow me to connect personal experiences with broader social and political contexts, making my work both intimate and universally relevant. While drawing is my primary medium, I also incorporate 3D elements such as ceramics, metalsmithing, and mixed media sculpture. These additional mediums challenge me to think differently about form and space, enhancing my technical proficiency. This progression is evident in “Tsar,” where the body is depicted with a high level of detail and realism, contrasting with the flatter, less anatomically accurate figures in “Three Birds.” Artists like Mark Rothko, Kathe Kollwitz, and David Cerny have significantly influenced my approach. Rothko’s use of color to evoke mood is something I strive to incorporate in my work because I believe that color is very important in evoking feelings. In addition to this, Kollwitz’s high-contrast drawings influence my rendering of light and shadow, and Cerny’s bold political statements inspire my use of symbolism as a confrontational response to a variety of political and social issues. Through my art, I aim to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces that encourage viewers to engage with the underlying themes and emotions of the works. My goal is to create art that resonates on a deeper level, challenging perceptions and provoking meaningful conversations.

Advisor/Mentor

Mike Martin

Description

This exhibition features two of my works, "Three Birds" (18x24 inches) and "Tsar" (6x3 feet), which explore themes of identity, presence, and the interplay between movement and stillness. Through the medium of charcoal on paper, these pieces create striking contrasts and dynamic compositions that evoke emotional and conceptual depth.

"Three Birds" portrays a surreal dance of figures, capturing fluidity and tension in their interaction, emphasizing the human experience of connection and individuality. In contrast, "Tsar" is a monumental study of the human form, rendered with raw texture and shadow, embodying a commanding yet introspective presence. Together, these works invite viewers to contemplate the balance between the collective and the singular, the ephemeral and the enduring.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Recommended Citation

Smith, Sadie, "Art399 Portfolio" (2024). Professional Practices (ART 399). 169.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/169