Heather Smith
B.A., Hons.
When I was about 11, my first favourite fine-artist was Rene Magritte for his striking but simple dream-like compositions; Since then I’ve remained drawn to imagery that conveys a subtle surreality. My visual style and imagery are also influenced heavilly by children’s book illustrations and by a lifelong fascination with animals and nature, imbuing my own work with a wary nostalgia.
As an educator, I’m fueled by students’ sense of wonder as they delve into the possibilities of visual-art, and I aim to foster the confidence in youth to explore media and ideas. I also believe, as with any disclipline, that our art is only improved by deliberate practice. I always encourage students to work their art muscles and to gain insight from their so-called failures, and I adore a great creative re-interpretation of any project.
BACKGROUND & TRAINING
- 2005 – 2009 BA with honours, Fine Art, McMaster University, Hamilton ON.
- 2003 – 2005 Trained privately under local visual artist Audrey Traini of Mozart’s Studios, Hamilton ON.
- 2018 – 2019 Trained under local stained glass artisan Doug Millar, Burlington ON.
EXHIBITIONS & SHOWS:
Solo
- 2010 13. 8. 10. The Studios at Hotel Hamilton, Hamilton, ON
Group
- 2023 Faculty Art Show 2023, Dundas Valley School of Art, Hamilton, ON
- 2019 Kind Sticks Series 2 Art Show, Mulberry Coffeehouse, Hamilton, ON
- 2012 8 Square Show, 337 Sketch Gallery, Hamilton, ON
- 2009 Play Nice: Summa 2009, McMaster Museum of Art, Hamilton, ON
- 2009 Epyllion, The New Space – Togo Salmon Hall, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
- 2007 From The West, Hamilton Artist’s Inc., Hamilton, ON
- 2007 It’s Better Than Nothing, Cambridge Sculpture Garden, Cambridge, ON
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- In Spring 2023 Heather’s small ode to the turkey vulture, a gouache painting titled Ugly Baby’s Hidden Bones, was chosen for production by Stonemaier Games on the Wingspan Fan Art Pack Turkey Vulture game card.
- In Fall 2023 The City of Hamilton purchased digital distribution rights for Warm Bus, a small gouache painting inspired by part of the city’s updated Winter Warming Response.
