artist's Statement

 

Light fascinates me. In the computer it is my medium. On canvas, it is a way to evoke feelings.  I attempt to combine the additive light of the computer colors with the subtractive light of pigmented colors. The result is the combination of particle and wave that appears as highly saturated color on canvas. My subject matter may be real or mythological. 

 

As a child, I was fascinated by a TV show called "Winky Dink" where the host would invite viewers to buy a clear plastic cover and put it over the TV screen to color along. I begged my mother to buy me the screen but she refused. So I colored right on the screen! I've been working with colored light ever since - as well as technology. And I would eventually name my studio "Lightsmith MultiMedia."

 

My imagery comes from a place deep within, I feel a strong emotional tie with it. By putting my visions on canvas, I have the opportunity to have a real conversation with them and to share these conversations with others.

 

I began my career working with images that dealt with life in the domestic sphere, including sex and violence. Women and children continue to figure prominently in my work today, though now I focus on relationship and on the strength that I see resonate from inspirational women. I'm also passionate about my connection to the earth, our first mother.

 

 

artist's Bio

 

Roberta Smith - Born in Chicago, 1945.  Lives and works in Phoenix.

After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977 with a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Art and Advertising, Roberta Smith studied with the pre-eminent photographer Ruth Karlin and painter George Buehler.

Roberta became the manager and curator of the gallery at the Countryside Art Center in Arlington Heights, IL where she exhibited her own work on domestic life in contemporary culture. She also curated the show “Sex and Violence in the Home,” causing a community sensation.

Roberta’s work moved toward video and she became a documentary videographer, capturing the performance art of Beverly Feldman and sculptor, Marcia Kaplan. She produced and created the local cable TV show “Portfolio” where she interviewed other artists about their work. 

Roberta worked as a volunteer at the Art Institute of Chicago for several years where she also studied art history, leading to a lifelong passion for the work of other cultures. 

In 1985, Roberta received a Master's degree in Design Science from the now current, Herberger Institute of Art and Design at Arizona State University where she subsequently taught computer graphics and multimedia both for the School of Art and the School of Industrial Technology.  She collaborated with artist Muriel Magenta on a large scale wall hanging which was exhibited at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

Most recently, Roberta has shown her work at R.Pela Gallery, The Coe House, The Arizona Opera Company, and Vision Gallery. She was Artist in Residence for the Desert Banner Cancer center.

Roberta’s work combines her loves of the rich visual history of painting with technology.