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December Issue 2005
Richard James Galleries in Charleston, SC, Features Works by Ford Smith
A fabulous collection of 20 new original paintings by Ford Smith entitled, Evocative Landscapes, will be showcased at the Richard James Galleries in Charleston, SC, from Dec. 2, 2005 through Jan. 6, 2006.
As the son of an Air Force serviceman stationed in a small Japanese village, Ford's artistic sensibilities began to take root under the nurturing eye of an elderly Japanese painter. Smith earned his BFA at the University of Mississippi, with a focus on painting. He discovered a natural talent for photography and during the late 70 and 80 Smith established his reputation as Atlanta's premier fashion photographer.
The early 90's, however, brought a compelling urge to return to painting. Smith took a hiatus from photography to travel the world and seek inspiration. After exploring different painting styles and themes, he found tremendous fulfillment creating contemporary landscapes conjured from the stunning horizons witnessed during his travels.
Smith's sense of nature recalls the startling color combinations and mesmerizing horizons. He then blends those images with his own passion and optimistic philosophy of life. The easy precision, subtlety and repose of his paintings may well derive from that Asian aesthetic he developed in his early years.
Smith lets layers of paint - acrylics on canvas - drip and flow, letting things happen. His paintings are a study in control and spontaneity, because while he may allow the materials to find their own expression, he then moves to manipulate them to achieve their unique composition and texture. "Like life, my work often transforms from its original idea," muses Smith, "but following a creative instinct wherever it leads is where the fun and fascination lie. Each painting is a unique journey with an undefined destination."
Gallery Director Janet Meyer says, "Smith's vibrant landscapes absolutely escape the ordinary! His art has been represented in the gallery for nearly five years, but this is our first one-man show of his work. This is a rare opportunity for the people of Charleston to enjoy a stimulating body of his art." The show, which includes paintings and giclees starting at $1,500, is open to the public, and the art is offered on a first come first served basis.
For more information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/577-9122 or at (www.richardjamesgalleries.com).
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