Name: Shelley Kolman Smith
Email: poetryart@aol.com
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
Portraits mostly. I enjoy capturing personalities in clay, getting the subject to look back at me and feel that they are about to take a breath. I like creating liturgical art for churches because I can do figurative work without the added stress of making it look like a certain person. When I’m creating something that will be cast in bronze, I work in plastiline; however, I frequently enjoy sculpting in terra cotta for myself.
Where did you learn to do what you do?
I started drawing portraits 21 years ago when my children were born. There was no time or money for lessons, so I read and studied everything I could get my hands on. My husband encouraged me constantly and told me that anything I wanted to learn badly enough, could be learned from a book. Six years ago I took a sculpting class from Bobby Gentry at Creative Arts and was hooked. I have also attended numerous Portrait Conferences with the Portrait Society of America.
Tell us about your most important projects.
I have a life size bronze at Preston Park Mall in Plano, a series of 4 life size grandchildren for a family in Addison, several Liturgical pieces in the area including a life size St. Ignatius at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat in Lake Dallas. A second edition of him was installed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington DC last fall. A third edition will be going to North Carolina soon. My latest commission is a life size portrait of Jamie Foxx for Terrell High School. Last weekend I was allowed to spend some time observing and photographing Jamie. That was a hoot!
Describe your studio.
Three years ago, we had a large studio built in the back yard which will accommodate large pieces. The most intriguing and useful feature is an 8 x 10 all glass garage door. I love being out there, and have room for my paints, easels and art book library.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I try to tailor the music I listen to with the piece I’m working on. I find it helpful to listen to lullabies and children’s music when I’m working on kids. Sacred music for when I’m working on a religious piece, and will probably listen to Jamie Foxx’s CD’s as I work on him. I’ll probably also have his movies running in the background. When I’m working on the more mundane parts of a sculpture or stretching canvases, I like NPR talk shows.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In the eyes of my subjects. I also find it helpful to have touched the people I sculpt.
Do you have any advice for other artists?
Never give up. Get your work in front of anyone who will look at it. Volunteer constantly; make sure you stay out in the public eye. And always remember “The more you give, the more you get.”
Do you belong to any art organizations?
Yes, I am a member of Texas Sculpture Association, the Portrait Society of America, on the board of the Terrell Alliance for Education and the Arts, and Founding Board Member of the NorthEast Texas Fine Art Alliance.
Do you have a website?
Yes, it’s www.ShelleyKolmanSmith.com I strongly recommend that every professional artist has one - and that you can make changes to it without having to pay someone every time you have a new piece to show.
Top |
