Meet Kristy Smith

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

Kristy, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been creating art since I was a child…I’ve always found the language of color and line more interesting and more expressive than verbal languages. Since I was always very introverted, my art is the way I reach out to the world.

I grew up in a multi-generational home and my grandmother painted. She was my greatest inspiration as a child.

I received my BFA from the University of Iowa, majoring in painting and minoring in drawing and photography.

After college, most of my time was devoted to being a mom and then to my second vocation as an Episcopal priest. So, for many years my creative energy was primarily channeled in those directions. As a priest, I would often draw or paint in preparation for sermon writing as a way to be in touch with what scripture was saying. About 15 years ago, I resigned from church work, and once again devoted myself full-time to painting and drawing visual art as my way to communicate. Art is the way I relate and respond to the world.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Struggles: no. Challenges: definitely. My work is now primarily abstract, and the biggest challenge when a painting is to not assume I know what it will look like when I am done. My work is very organic. I start with a color or maybe a shape, but once I begin, I have to listen to what is happening with what is on the canvas. I compare it to life: often I have plans for the day, but once I start out, rarely do my days go exactly as I plan. I have to respond and adapt to what happens along the way. That’s what painting is like for me, too.

So the biggest challenge is to let go and let things happen—to be playful in my approach. I often listen to music (jazz mostly) as a way to help me relax and be spontaneous. I also try to do a lot of wondering…what will happen if…and not let anything on the canvas become so precious that I will not risk changing it.

The good thing about painting this way with such open expectations is that there are no mistakes— I can always paint over something or change something that isn’t working until it does.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
My artwork can best be described as colorful dances. I love using bright colors and flowing shapes…probably influenced by the music I listen to and the way I let the life of the painting flow. I am most pleased that people enjoy my finished work as much as I enjoy making it. I love listening to people talk about my paintings— what they feel or think or see when they look at them. To me, this is the continuation and expansion fo the conversation I have had with the work as I created it.

I am pleased that my work is now in several businesses and homes around the US. I love that folk want the paintings in their homes and workplaces.

An aside: I am often chided because I seldom dress in bright colors…I prefer to show my true colors in my artwork and to let it have the attention.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know that I would call it luck…I have had the opportunity to get to know several people who have encouraged me to show my work, and who has introduced me to folk who have become my customers.

It was one of these folks who invited me to become a member at the SYNC Gallery.

Contact Info:

• Address: 931 Santa Fe Drive
  Denver, CO 80204
• Website: kristykaysmith.wixsite.com/artist
• Email: kristykaysmith@gmail.com
• Instagram: Kristysmithart
• Facebook: Kristy Kay Smith

Image Credit:
Portrait by Shanna Forrestall of Forrestall consulting, Los Angeles, CA

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