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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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