Artist Of The Month – March 2007

	Linda Stiles Smith Dayton, OH Email: lindalesmt@att.net Web: www.naturescapesstudio.com	Mailing Address: P.O. Box 41103 Dayton, OH 45441 Telephone: (937) 433–6249

What do you love about Art Clay? Art Clay is the most versatile medium I have ever worked with. I love that it allows a relative non–metal artist to create beautiful, wearable silver jewelry!
What are your favorite Art Clay projects/creations? Every new creation is my favorite.until the next new one comes along
What other media do you work and/or teach in? I have taught classes in marketing, painting, drawing and printmaking. But for the last five years that has all taken a back seat to working with and teaching metal clay. As an offshoot of my metal clay work I have begun teaching jewelry techniques and design. I run a pretty extensive schedule of classes in my studio and offer personal instruction as well.
Biography: My formal art training is what I credit for the strides I have made in my work. I received a BFA in painting from Wright State University. During this time I was also awarded a fellowship to the Yale Summer School of Art. This schooling process heightened my sense of design and purpose for both my art and my life. When I discovered silver clay in 2001, I was poised to absorb a medium and a process that is not driven by academia but is rather a creative outlet for the artist within. The challenge lies in the flexibility of the medium and the unlimited potential for exploration. I began working with metal clay with the express purpose of creating jewelry to sell. I borrowed from my painting background to incorporate nature themes into pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and broaches which I have been selling at art shows and on my website. Certified as a Senior Instructor in Art Clay in 2005 has led me down a parallel path. The joy I receive while introducing metal clay to students is immeasurable and hard to describe. In ten years I have meandered back to a path I began when returning to college, teaching. Actually I find it is more a sharing of knowledge and enthusiasm. Although running a business as an artist and teacher is often demanding and exhausting, I can’t imagine doing anything different!
Philosophy: Take the time to discover your inner artist. She’s there. Try whatever takes your fancy. It’s ok if it isn’t your "thing". It may lead to something that is! And in the meantime you will make friends, memories, and maybe something you can say "I made it myself!" And if that creative path turns out to be your love, strive to do it as well as you can. Absorb information and practice craftsmanship. Wherever you are on your path you can always go forward if you just have faith in it.
Awards / Degrees: 2006 First Place Art Clay, Your Design Here, Rings & Things 2006 Best of Competition (tied), and First Bracelets, Bead Arts Awards, Lapidary Journal 2006 Bronze Award Art Clay, Fire Mountain Gems ountain Gems 2006 Honorable Mention Art Clay World North American Competition

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