Michelle Mcdowell-Smith

My current body of work is titled “of land and sky, whimsical and free”. The work is softly surreal with a storybook sensibility that can be hopeful and aspirational. However, I also include themes which reflect on disappointment, loneliness, impossible expectations, and the loss of innocence.

My intention has been to elevate the sense of wonder and optimism which we aspire to, while accepting the sadness and incompleteness which we sometimes succumb to. My portrayal of disappointment, and the acceptance of it, seeks to shed a different kind of light on these realities than the cynical and sarcastically pessimistic viewpoints which are increasing prevalent.

The pieces are done on canvas with layers acrylic paint and other materials such as: hand crafted papers, sewing patterns, maps, old letters, vintage book pages, and more. I have a multi-step progression involving sketching, collaging, glazing, painting, and then repeating. I am very deliberate with what I choose to collage and where it is placed on the canvas. Every collage element that is added to the piece is worked into with acrylic paint to add color, create depth, and to blend it seamlessly to the whole.

I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) graduating in 1997 with a major in illustration and a minor in art history.

"Dream Mother" at Trends Art and Home Boutique in Jacksonville, FL from Sept 26 through Nov 7 of 2020.

"23rd International Open" at Woman Made Gallery featuring artwork from 35 female artists from the US, Argentina, Bolivia, England, France, India, Iran, Nigeria and Norway. Chicago, IL from Oct 30 to Nov 21, 2020.

"Alone Together" at NOMA Gallery in Ocala, FL. October 1- 31 2020.