California based artist Christie Smith has found her niche in a somewhat unusual creative specialty: resin. The two-part component which hardens into a solid plastic, giving a glossy, clear finish, has been the stand-out quality that really sets her art apart, giving pieces an alluring intensity and dramatic depth.
While the Alabama-born ex-golf professional also works with wood, glass, paint and photography, her newest project combines her signature stamp with another interesting element: rock music.
Smith has collaborated with veteran photographer David Stratford, mixing resin and metal flakes to enhance photographs of music legends including Mick Jagger. The California native has taken over 10,000 images at rock concerts all over Southern California between July 1973 to early 1976. Being a super-fan of all the artists he went to watch, and having studied photography at school, he decided he needed to document the magic of these moments. Stratford, who never had press passes or front row seats, hitched to venues and borrowed cameras from friends and family to get the snaps of his favorite artists.
Having printed and hung them on walls of record stores back in the 70s, Smith now brings new life to Stratford’s pictures with her artistic touch. Coined the “Satisfaction Project”, she offers custom sizes and colors, and has plans to make portraits of other rock ‘n’ roll legends available soon. The collection features exclusively at her own Unleashed Art Gallery in Laguna Beach, California, which also showcases her other original works including painting and artistic gifts.
Smith’s transition into the word of art was surprisingly smooth after a colorful career as an LPGA golf professional for many years. She began exploring her artistic abilities eight years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Developing a love for painting and photography, art gave her a new outlet to express her feelings.
Smith is well versed in the use of color and texture, having produced previous lines of work including the Ocean Series, featuring organic, natural shades, and the abstract series, bursting with bright colors and sharp tones. At the heart of each of her collections is a desire to “use artwork to connect with individuals and their unique interpretation of beauty in life”.
The success of the pair’s collaboration is well overdue after Smith found herself reassessing and expanding her business during the initial coronavirus lockdown by offering virtual viewings. She adapted and levered a dedicated art community and showed how a small business could pivot during unprecedented times. She moved her gallery from Half Bay to the Laguna Beach location in July, complete with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Motivated and looking for the next adventure, she has already discovered a thriving and engaged art community there.
Together she and Stratford collaborate to offer wholly original pieces of work that compliment each other’s artistic flair and spotlight their respective passions of art and music. They plan to continue adding more legends to their roster of creations, so every customer will be able to request their favorite singers to their own specifications, meaning the duo’s collaboration plans will only continue to grow.
https://www.unleashedartgallery.com/
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