When: Saturday October 20, 2007 1pm – 4pm
Who: Ford Smith
What: Demonstration of his signature “Splash Painting” Technique
I was introduced to Ford’s work just last year, and I have been following his work ever since. I'm drawn into the imagery. My favorite of his works are the comtemporary, abstract feeling landscapes that tap into my imagination. I think it’s the combination of the color palette, the light, and the organic feeling. Now that I have met Ford, I see that a bit of his cheerfully relaxed personality is infused into each painting and that’s what makes them so interesting. He says that they all come from his own imagination as inspired by the places he's been. W
hen I heard that he was coming to Charleston, well needless to say, I was giddy. I can't wait to see what effect our cascading, Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks will have on his imagination for the future.He came in with his paint smudged Bob Ross “Happy Trees” T-shirt and I introduced myself. “I’m such a fan!”, I squeaked. (Yep, this interview is off to a great start). But Ford proved to be a rock star with his patience, casual demeanor and informative conversation. Throughout my entire dialog he casually yet industriously painted away. His genuine passion for art is evident in his generosity of spirit. At one point he even offered up his paintbrush to a little girl who studied his every move with rapt attention. People stumbled in off the downtown street to find themselves in the midst of a gallery turned studio for an afternoon. They flowed through the space experiencing his finished works hanging and curiously watched as his creation took form before their eyes. Ford answered each question with a genuine appreciation for each person’s interest. Ever gracious and unaffected. At the end of the afternoon, as I said goodbye... I felt that I had though I was finishing up a conversation over coffee with a friend, and yet, magically a bright and lively sunset landscape had come to life.
For more information on this interesting and talented artist check out his website Ford Smith. And if you are in the Charleston area, check out his exhibit at the Richard James Gallery at 231 King St until October 31st.
My conversation with Ford Smith:
designer girl: Do you begin with the end in mind or do you just begin and watch things evolve?
Ford Smith: Not really. I usually have an idea of the general composition, but not the specifics. It’s a very organic process, it evolves. I’m as surprised as anyone with the finished product. All of my paintings are strictly from my imagination and instinct. It’s an emotional process. So it’s truly a revelation at the end. It’s a surprise to everyone – including me!
designer girl: Do you ever sketch out ideas that you have?
Ford Smith: Never. It’s really an intuitive thing. I just – go.
designer girl: Where does the inspiration for landscapes come from?
Ford Smith: Probably because you can find them anywhere. They are always around – even in the city.
designer girl: Approximately how long does it take you to finish a piece?
Ford Smith: Well it varies, of course and I have multiple paintings going at once. They need time to rest and dry so I keep going on another while I am waiting. But I would say – depending on the piece - about a week.
designer girl: Have you always used this technique – “Splash Painting”?
Ford Smith: No. It evolved from the mosaic paintings that I had been doing and I was so into the details. I needed to loosen up. Splash Painting was a sort of reaction to that more structured way of painting. I combined [the look of] Jackson Pollack with [the style of] Pointillism. I really think I invented a whole new style of painting. I know people use this technique in painting, but I don’t know of anyone else using this technique alone to create a painting. It’s totally new in this way.
designer girl: are you still developing new techniques? Or do you feel that you have all that you need to create your work?
Ford Smith: I don’t actively try to develop new techniques. Sometimes things just happen, or I find a solution to a problem and that turns into an ‘insider trick’.
designer girl: What do you think is another signature to your work?
Ford Smith: I think the light effects come from my many years behind the lens of a camera. Photography forced me to study light and how it affects subjects. I think that comes through in my work today.
designer girl: Do you expect each painting to be a success?
Ford Smith: No, not at all. To some people it’s a success if it sells or if it’s popular and gains recognition. I think that ‘successful’ in the art world is subjective. To me I think that successful means that its satisfying to me. Although I have [created] some works that are good but not exciting to me, but have been some of my most popular works. It’s all subjective, but I paint to satisfy me.
designer girl: How many paintings do you go through to get to one that is successful? What do you think is your ratio?
Ford Smith: I think if even half of my paintings are good – I think that’s great. I don’t go into it looking for each one to be the best. Sometimes it’s the ones that I think I have ruined that surprise me in the end. The key is to keep working, keep painting, and keep producing work. That’s what creates success in the end is to keep going.
designer girl: And for a final question. Who is your favorite artist living or dead.
Ford Smith: Gustav Klimt… He’s famous for works like ‘The Kiss’ but he has some amazing landscapes that are lesser known, but are really great.
designer girl: Ford, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I have really enjoyed talking with you and learning from you.
Ford Smith: It’s been great.
Thanks again to Ford and everyone at the Richard James Gallery...
designer girl
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