Artist Linda C Smith

Linda C. Smith is a visual artist and educator based in New York City. Experimentation with materiality is a large component of Smith’s artistic practice and approach to teaching. Her work as an educator is heavily influenced through her time teaching photography to survivors and former perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where she lived for five years.

This experience heavily influenced her work and led her to explore themes of loss and regeneration. Smith’s work has been exhibited in the United Nations headquarters in New York City, as well as the United States and Rwandan Embassies. She earned a BA from Syracuse University and her MFA from the University of Connecticut.

"In my work, I explore themes of loss, remembrance, and regeneration. I believe, as individuals, we are living histories with the ability to empathize with those who have experienced loss and trauma. By acknowledging personal and collective trauma we allow humanity to create conditions for working through layers of wounds and unlocking pain that has been in our systems, societies, and earth for centuries. Through my practice I bring to light memories of events from our past into our present. I am not telling or retelling any stories, I am solely remembering individuals and places that history may have forgotten."

Tell us a little about yourself (where you are from) and your background in the arts.

I grew up outside NYC. After college I moved abroad to the UK and Rwanda. My art got heavily influenced by my time living in Rwanda. I was there about 4 years. I left Rwanda to attend a free MFA program. It was after that MFA that my studio practice began to develop.

What kind of work are you currently making?

I am working on a series entitled "Love letter to the remnant". It's a love letter to folks that have experienced personal loss or bereavement. It is a series of prints made from rope with a gellatin plate and a variety of papers and fabrics.

What is a day like in the studio for you?

I usually spend the time working on multiple series during the day. For instance if I am rusting some vellum then I will spend time setting that up and while it is drying I will then work on a series of monoprints. I try to be as productive as I can.

What are you looking at right now and/or reading?

I am looking at Delita Martin and always reading Mary Oliver.

Where can we find more of your work? (ex. website/insta/gallery/upcoming shows)

Website: http://lindacsmith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindacsmithstudio/