Artist Siana Smith
Congratulations to Siana Smith for earning her place as a Finalist in the Boynes Emerging Artist Award 7th Edition!
Who are you?
Growing up in China during the late stages of the Cultural Revolution, I was exposed to a deeply practical mindset that emphasized the need for material survival above all else. This emphasis on practicality was evident in every aspect of life, from the food we ate to the education system and the social hierarchy. As a result, I never developed a passion
or hobby during my childhood, and when my grandfather, who was passionate about Chinese painting, discouraged his children from pursuing "useless" art that could not provide for them financially, I accepted this advice and pursued a more practical path. I graduated with a BS in horticulture, and after immigrating to the United States, I decided to pursue a master's degree in computer science and work as a software engineer in order to support myself. After several years in this field, I shifted my focus to raising my children.
Despite my practical accomplishments, I found myself plagued by a deep sense of emptiness that no amount of material possessions or busyness could alleviate. I took up photography in an attempt to find beauty and meaning in the world, but even this failed to provide the fulfillment I craved. It was only after a near-death experience while summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2014 that I was forced to confront the questions and the inner self that I had been avoiding for so long. In seeking to understand myself better, I turned to art as a means of self-expression and self-discovery.
“Family Time”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?
I was inspired to learn oil painting since I was drawn to the works of the Renaissance masters. I appreciate the character and quality of oil as a medium in that color builds up over layers and time to reach the fullness of hue and luminosity that creates depth and illusion. Oil renders well on details and nuances and gives paintings a rich feeling of reality. Oil painting is an immersive process, with each brushstroke a meticulous effort to reach a resemblance as a reflection and dialogue with the subject. For me, oil painting is also a conscientious endeavor to establish a connection lost beyond the canvas.
“Contemplate”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
How would you describe your work?
I paint commodities around me, ranging from fashion accessories down to used tissues. I see these objects as a materialization of desire and personal narrative. They both reveal and conceal who we are. Not merely daily objects with a function, these objects carry symbolic meanings. I like using vivid colors, larger-than-life scale, and fine detail to emphasize subjects and subject matter. I also capture mundane moments in life that are common in society. Through these slices of time, I hope to engage in conversation about conundrums in a social and psychological context.
“Battle”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "9.9.202037.7018464419476_-122.40675640172758"?
Inspired by my daughter's COVID 'at-home' explorations in the Bay Area and the heaviness of the California wildfire, this painting depicts her defiance and curiosity in the midst of a hazardous environment. This imagery struck a chord with me as I explored, in my work, the uncertainty and heaviness experienced by myself and so many others in 2020.
“9.9.202037.7018464419476_-122.40675640172758”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating "9.9.202037.7018464419476_-122.40675640172758"?
This piece was inspired by a photograph that I initially processed and manipulated using Photoshop in order to refine its composition, value and color. Once I had a clear sense of the direction I wanted to take, I began by applying a warm tonal base to the canvas. From there, the process of painting involved a series of continual decisions regarding the balance between tightness and looseness, as well as the willingness to embrace and correct mistakes. For instance, I found it necessary to glaze over areas multiple times in order to achieve the desired value for the wall. Overall, the process was one of constant experimentation and refinement.
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
I portray objects and moments in life by creating large-scale figurative and still-life paintings, expressing my understanding, awareness, and emotions encountered on my self-reflective journey. I symbolize commodities through exploring my feelings and relationship with material goods. My artwork asks viewers to confront objects of aesthetic desire in a more complex way, overlaying the banal innocence of the 'pretty' with a darker social and psychological context.
“The Lure Of Skin”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
Have you experimented with other mediums?
I also paint in acrylic. Currently, I am experimenting with different acrylic mediums. Printmaking is also a newly found passion. In addition, I am now incorporating collagraph in some of my paintings.
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
I struggled with painting my self-portrait to the point where I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it. I took a break for eight months before a friend encouraged me to continue with the painting. I took my time and eventually finished it, and in the process, I learned not to give up easily. I realized that if I put in enough effort, the painting will come together.
“Pink Backpack”
Oil on Canvas
By Siana Smith
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
In my first year of my MFA program, two of my paintings were juried into the De Young Open exhibition at the De Young Museum in San Francisco and one painting was sold. This was a big encouragement for me and affirmation of my subject matter.
Can you tell something you wish you had known before or when you began your career that would have really helped?
Art has opened up a beautiful world for me, and I only wish that I had discovered its potential earlier in my life. This new realm of creativity and self-expression has been a revelation, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me to grow as an individual and to connect with others in a profound and meaningful way.
“Weapon”
Oil on Metal
By Siana Smith
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
I am working on several bodies of work currently. One is going back to my Commodity series after understanding how my childhood experience led to an attraction to beautiful things, which is the reification of yearning for love.
I am also collaborating with my late grandfather's Chinese ink paintings. It's my way of honoring him and acknowledging my experience as a bird photographer. Being a six-month artist-in-residence in Texas, I am making art inspired by the local history and community as well.
What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?
My dream project would be a public art installation on a grand scale, challenging the traditional boundaries of the medium and engaging with a diverse audience in a meaningful way. I would like to collaborate with community and local organizations. The end result would be a thought-provoking and interactive artwork that inspires dialogue and sparks change within the public sphere.
“Mitigation”
Acrylic on Canvas
By Siana Smith
As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
It’s important to not be afraid to apply and keep trying, even if you face rejections. I know firsthand how discouraging rejections can be, but it’s important to remember that if you don’t apply, there is no chance of success. But if you do apply, there is at least a possibility that your application will be successful. So don’t give up, and keep applying.
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?
Trust your instincts and act on them.
To view more of Siana Smith’s work