Frustrated by the limitations of traditional photography, but also disappointed in the plastic appearance of digitally manipulated images, he created his mosaic technique to have his own way of remixing reality, to transform a digital medium with the power of the hand, and to create surreal new worlds of intense detail, surprise and optimism.
His largest and most conceptual body of work, Cross & Ladder, was exhibited in a solo show at Honfleur Gallery in Washington, D.C. This collection is a study of two elements, the Cross and the Ladder, as symbols of humankind’s desire to transcend our place in the world, either spiritually or intellectually. The cross is an icon for religion and faith.
In counterpoint, Smith uses the ladder to represent science and its rational, rung-by-rung pursuit of knowledge. From abortion to stem cell research to gay rights, the most pressing cultural debates of our time are wars between religion and science…clashes of faith and reason.
Smith’s work has been featured in solo and group shows in Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. His artwork is in private collections on both sides of the Atlantic. Smith lives and works in Washington, D.C.
