MARILYN SMITH
Bio
Marilyn Smith is a multidisciplinary artist exploring fibers art through the lens of painting. She is currently based in Columbus, OH. She Graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, where she began her exploration of discarded materials. Exploring aspects of painting, fiber, and sculpture by incorporating found materials. Her systems pave the way for playful interactions among materiality as they collide within the confines of a fixed structure and routine. With her practice centering around the discarded and abandoned, she has a passion for collecting and gathering unwanted items, systematically converting trash into works of fine art. Working with this set routine of collecting, organizing, and rearranging provides a means of nurturing objects that would otherwise be forgotten. The abundance of plastic and textile waste provides us all with an unlimited opportunity to explore material. Our habitual decisions to over-consume and over-produce provides Marilyn Smith with the unique opportunity to disrupt social structures and critiques. Instead of producing waste by creating art, she is using waste to unveil new environments and experiences. Her work contrasts the preconceived notions that trash cannot be anything more than just trash. Challenging the idea of “single-use” plastics with her ability to transform garbage into a sign of hope.
Artist Statement
My studio practice centers around the discarded and abandoned. Material sets the foundation for my life and fuels my creativity. I recognize the abundance of waste at my disposal, so I choose to take advantage of the materials I already possess. Collecting and gathering domestic trash and systematically transforming waste into fine art.
Working with a set routine of collecting material, nurturing, and developing their origins. I toil over the material like a farmer harvests their crop. Fundamentally, understanding that waste is a direct byproduct of my habitual nature. I look for failing systems that provide me with an opportunity to disrupt.
The scale not only correlates to the magnitude of our pollution but However, my work contrasts the preconceived notions that trash cannot be anything more than just trash. My work’s beauty illuminates trash’s ability to transform beyond garbage. Hopefully, my work urges others to be more conscious about their consumption.
CV
EDUCATION
B.F.A in Painting
Savannah College of Art & Design
Aug. 2019 - Aug. 2023
Savannah, GA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Studio Assistant - Michael Porten
Savannah, GA
Sept. 2023
Assisting artist Michael Porten with a variety of tasks to aid the completion of public sculpture project commissioned by Savannah College of Art and Design
Studio Assistant - Trish Anderson
Savannah, GA
July 26th 2023 - October 2023
Asissting artist Trish Anderson with a floor to ceiling fiber sculpture utilizing various distances and colors of cords. Project
commissioned by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a new building in Atlanta, GA.
Studio Assistant - Rachel Hayes
Savannah, GA
April 5th, 2023 - April 7th, 2023
Worked with artist Rachel Hayes, assisted with a wide variety of tasks such as utilizing vinyl textiles, working with heavy duty sewing machines, constructing commissioned piece, assisting with onsite install, including deinstallation and packing of piece.
Sand Arts Festival
Tybee Island, GA
May 5th, 2023
Commissioned Mural - The Circle
Savannah, GA
December 2021
Custom designed hand painted mural for local Home goods + Metaphysical store.
EXHIBITIONS
The Factory St. Pete Gallery - Woven
St. Petersburg, FL
Aug. 2023 - Oct. 2023
Group show, “Woven” a fiber arts show put on by The Factory St Pete. Work Shown, 'Nesting', trash weaving.
521 Gallery - Wasteland
Savannah, GA
May 12th, 2023 - August 16th, 2023
521 Gallery partnered up with local restaurant ‘Alexander’s Bistro’ in order to display an array of artworks from local artists.
'Homework for Sale' was displayed snaking through the exposed ceiling throughout the venue.
Savannah College of Art and Design - As Seen
Savannah, GA
May 12th, 2023
SCAD Student curated showcase, displayed 'Prom Queen's Carcass' weaving made out of used prom dresses and costume jewelry.
Showcase - Scholastic Award Opening Ceremony
Savannah, GA
March 11th, 2023
'Supa Dupa Fly' displayed at the opening ceremony for the Scholastic Award Night hosted at
Alexander Hall.
521 Gallery - Consumption
Savannah, GA
March 4th-7th, 2023
Group show. Work shown, 'Nesting' trash weaving.
521 Gallery - Identify
Savannah, GA
October 21st, 2022 - October 22nd 2022
Group show. Works Shown, 'Marilyn Smith 2020' oil on canvas painting, 'Potty Break' oil on canvas painting, 'What it Feels like to be a Woman' Mixed media painting.
Savannah College of Art and Design - Fall Open Studio
Savannah, GA
November 5th, 2021 - November 7th 2021
Group show. Works shown, 'Marilyn Smith 2020' oil on canvas painting, 'Circus of Youth' acrylic painting on paper, 'My Little Princess' mixed media on panel, 'Gaze' acrylic painting on canvas.
Savannah College of Art and Design - Spring Open Studio
Savannah, GA
2020
Group show. Work shown 'Marilyn Smith 2020' oil on canvas painting.