About Pegi Smith
Artist Statement
Within perhaps a summary of my own life’s perspectives and observations—yet with no conscious agenda—I’m captivated by the creative process… swept up in the work, the medium, the opportunity.
My hope is that the final works will cause the viewer to immerse, and then to emerge with the initial design in tow…moving in and out…with an intentional choice to return there again and again. Energized by life’s experiences and dreams of how it should, or could be, if only…
While immersed in a project, there are times when I see it as primitive and at other times refined. Regardless, I am pressed to move forward, aware of pending modifications, yet enjoying the expression of the moment. I work from the canvas, with no pre-sketching, but a more innate exploration of my own inner space while being aware of the necessity to remain open to the spontaneous, hidden dimensions appearing and reappearing on the canvases…with an endless appreciation that color is such an obvious and important part of my life.
Am I discovering aspects of my own identity in the process…wondering, is this about me? Maybe so…regardless, I am there and somehow absent while the actual painting occurs. Appeared to and appealed to by the urgent necessity to cooperate with what is developing and yet making my own voice heard as a distant director of what must be the reluctant conclusion of that one work…if another is to begin.
Thank you for the privilege of sharing my work with you.
~ Pegi Smith, Artist
Bio
Born in Canada to Austrian parents, Pegi moved to Denver as a child and began playing the violin at the age of ten. She has since played classical, rock, blues, jazz, and bluegrass, often as a guest artist at concerts. She took her first sculpting class in high school, where she first discovered her artistic abilities. On the practical side of her sculpting talent, Pegi apprenticed under her father to become a third-generation dental technician, and for years sculpted porcelain crowns and painted tiny custom paintings on them. Smith’s ceramics have been exhibited and sold all over the United States.
Pegi settled in Ashland in 2000 and began painting in 2006. She is now focused on painting, working in acrylic in warm, rich colors. She aims to summarize her own life perspectives in her paintings and hopes that her work will cause the viewer to immerse and then emerge with the intent of the design. Pegi’s work has been profiled in Ashland Magazine, Revels, and the Ashland Daily Tidings, among others.
Pegi’s Work Appears in…
In addition to her art exhibits, Pegi’s work “On the Wings of Butterflies” appears on the cover of Balance of Fragile Things published by Ashland Creek Press. Three of her works appear in Suzanne Mathis McQueen’s book 4 Seasons in 4 Weeks, published by Tobacco Road Press, and “Dreaming in Colour” is on the label of “Shabobos” – raw, vegan & gluten-free treats from Organic Intervention.
Articles About Pegi Smith
Locals Guide “Abstract Journey through Art” – Interview with Pegi Smith
February, 2011
Ashland Magazine “A Swirl of Artistic Talent” – Article about Pegi Smith
Winter edition, 2006 [PDF 363 KB]
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Pegi Smith!