Check Out Linda Smith’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Smith.

Hi Linda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Art has always been a passion of mine, I grew up in New York. and as a teenager in the 1960’s I would go to Manhattan and visit MOMA, the Met and the Guggenheim which was always exciting and inspiring.
I got In my B.F.A. in painting from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1969 an M.F.A. from N.Y.U. Tisch
School of the Arts in Film in 1973.

A big change was when I moved to California

I started working and exhibiting my paintings in the 1980’s. Working in part-time jobs, and then as an elementary substitute teacher for over 20 years, I pursued my art.
In 2000 I started working in clay. I have been focusing more on my ceramic sculpture in the past few years.

Inspired by my daily life and art history, I focus on cats, dogs, faces and figures, with a love of pattern and color., which sparks my imagination and the viewers as well.

I create ceramic cups, cats, dogs, imaginative shaped sculpture and six feet totems of steel and clay.
I recently had a solo show of my paintings and sculpture at bG Gallery and have my work in museum shops such, AMOCA in Pomona .

I have the wonderful support , friendship and interest of artists, curators and critics in the Los Angeles art community and feel very fortunate about that. Being an artist is a challenge, but it is a wonderful adventure.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist has always been a challenge. Juggling work and sacrificing income for time to focus on my art was a challenge, but my passion for art was the driving force of my life. I am fortunate , I can now totally focus on my art.
I have the support of art dealers, as well as staff at museums such as the Craft & Folk Art Museum, now the Craft Contemporary ,the Fowler and American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona where I have my work now. in the museum shop and permanent collection.

I also have support of art critics, photographers and filmmakers who have supported and posted my shows, and work on social media. My recent show at bG Gallery was really celebrated, which was wonderful.

I have been working and exhibiting my art since the 1980’s. It is a challenging, but also rewarding being an artist.

Having the connection and involvement with the art community is its own reward, and it has certainly enriched my life as a working artist.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in ceramics and painting.
My website is www.lindasmithceramicsplus.net
instagram : lindasmithceramicsplus.net

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Being an artist is a risk, but also a passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindasmithceramicsplus.net
• Instagram: lindasmithceramicsplus
• Facebook: Linda Smith (Linda Helene Smith)