david scott smith: funsicle

June 6 - 29, 2023

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: june 7, FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, june 11, AT 4PM.

NORMAL GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM - 6PM

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 David Scott Smith, a sculptor and mold maker, re-contextualizes familiar objects and textures often humorously, dealing with serious issues of excess and consumption. 

At a young age, Smith worked for his father in the family taxidermy business, re-animating dead animals into lifelike forms.  He found the irony of the process both humorous and beautiful, and that play with absurdity and beauty is evident in his work and the way he pairs natural objects into imaginative and surrealistic forms.  Smith uses light, pattern, and color as tools for unification and reordering. 

“One concept that has always motivated me is the idea of functionality, and how utilitarian objects can engage and establish a meaningful connection (if they are fun and interesting).  In art school the idea that art does not have to be functional is constantly reinforced, and rightly so……still, I have always been more interested in the objects I live with than the art in the museums. 

For this exhibition I am revisiting many of the ideas I was working with in the early 90’s.  I’m making things I hope folks will think are fun and interesting, and would enjoy using, even if only on special occasions.  In my life I have created many large sculptural installations, but still nothing seems to satisfy more than seeing someone use and enjoy my work.” - Smith

David Scott Smith received his B.A. in English from Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA) and his M.F.A in Ceramics from Louisiana State University. He has exhibited nationally and has received many grants for both his work and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Sonny Kamm Teapot Foundation and Southeastern Louisiana State University. Smith is currently completing a mold-making book (Voodoo Mold-Making); his work has also been featured in Pottery Making Illustrated and Ceramics Monthly.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Mary Ann Caffery, Margaret Humphris, and Phyllis Lear. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from June 6 - 29, 2023. 

works on view