Annie Smith – artist, educator
Annie Smith Artist Statement: In exploring the theme of Foundations, I am currently creating new work in several streams. My portraits are considering people as the foundations of our communities, as well as thinking about our personal foundations—what forms us, what supports us, what rock do we stand on? My watercolors are hyperrealism, and in conjunction with my artist books, have to do with rocks as the foundations of creation, of my island home, and as a metaphor for strength and permanence.
Website: www.anniesmith.ca
Biography: From a very young age, Annie was always drawing, colouring, or doing some sort of craft. By the ime she was in her 20s, her most frequent medium was fabric arts and quilting, mostly self-taught. Her formal art education did not start until she began work on her teaching degree once her children were grown. Annie was thrilled to teach art to Middle School students and was passionate about embedding art instruction across the curriculum. During her teaching career, Annie continued her own studies through U of A Extension, developing skills in drawing, watercolour, soft pastels, and book arts, and earning her CFA with distinction.
Recently, Annie's work has been seen in The Story So Far (SNAP gallery, Edmonton); Facets and Behind the Screen (Sea Star Winery group shows, Pender Island); the juried international show, Art of the Book 2018, travelling across Canada; the Sidney Fine Arts Show (2019), and How We Heal (Massachusetts). Her work is in private collections in BC, Alberta, and Japan.
Annie works and lives on Pender Island, BC with her husband, Don, surrounded by natural beauty and an amazing community of artists.