Conversations with Skylar Smith

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

Hi Skylar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been making art since I was a kid. When I was young, I was diagnosed as “hyperactive” and art was one thing that would focus my energy – I could get lost in a drawing for hours. Even as a kid, I think I recognized the therapeutic and healing powers of art. My parents – my mom especially- encouraged my art and I took after-school classes with the incredible artist Gayle Cerlan.

I’ve had many great art teachers – Barbara Hester at Ballard High School was one of the best. She encouraged me to apply to art school and I got a merit scholarship to attend the Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA). I worked with amazing teachers at MICA and School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I got my MFA. Working with great teachers also inspired me to be an art teacher. I’ve been teaching art for over 15 years.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think it’s important to be an artist if I’m an art teacher. I think my students know how passionate I am about art because I’m thinking about it and making it every day.

At the same time, it can be challenging to be an active artist because teaching is a very demanding job. I used to teach full-time and I’m lucky to teach part-time now as an Artist-In-Residence at Francis Parker School, so I have time in my studio. I also love working with high school students- they constantly inspire me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m primarily an abstract artist- though many of the shapes and forms I use in my work come from nature- they are just simplified versions. I am endlessly inspired by the natural world. I grew up near a small creek and would spend hours exploring- looking under rocks and realizing that there was a whole world of life at the bottom of the creek or living in a single tree.

Though I’m inspired by nature I also bring my yoga practice into my work and find art-making to be very meditative and therapeutic. Sometimes I think my “inner visions” come out in my creations.

How do you define success?
Ummm…that’s a BIG question! I’m proud that I’ve been able to balance being an artist with my teaching career and being a mom. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, and my family and friends. I grew up in Louisville and I couldn’t wait to get out.

After moving back in 2006, I have found a whole new appreciation for this city, and I feel very supported as an artist here. I think getting to make my art is a privilege and I would rather focus on gratitude than success. As much as artists want to get their work out of Louisville and into bigger cities, I am grateful for Louisville’s dynamic arts community and I want to continue to give back and build this city’s vibrant arts culture.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @skylar_smith_art

Image Credits
Stephen Kennedy and Skylar Smith