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Syd Smith is a mixed media artist whose work includes domestic forms like furniture, containers, and clothing, encompassing topics of personal identity and experiences. Growing up Smith loved to create and build things, which led them to initially study engineering. After one year in an engineering program, they pivoted and refound their passion for creation through sculpture. Living in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis has greatly impacted Smith, and led them to pursue a minor in social justice while studying at the University of Minnesota. Most recently, they interned for Boogie-Wall Gallery in London.
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Artist Statement
"Driven by my own experiences and emotions, my sculptures and prints focus on personal struggles with religion, sexuality, depression, substance use, and politics. I gravitate towards materials with certain fragility such as ceramics, glass, and paper in order to discuss these sensitive topics. As I manipulate these materials I compare the process they undergo with my own journey in life. Through this relationship between myself and material, I explore recurring concepts like scale, destruction and reconstruction, and often analyze a dichotomy of social or political beliefs.
Inspired by artists like Félix González-Torres and Doris Salcedo, I utilize familiar mundane items, often furniture or containers, as vehicles to discuss private experiences in an approachable manner. While creating my art, I analyze how such a common form can hold so much meaning.
My current work has taken a shift from revolving around my personal struggles to discussing issues of social justice. Most recently I learned to use a sewing machine to replicate my own t-shirt in order to comment on consumerism and capitalism. In the process of deconstructing the piece of clothing into a fabric blueprint and sewing it together I become aware of the labor and exploitation hidden within the garment industry."
Inspired by artists like Félix González-Torres and Doris Salcedo, I utilize familiar mundane items, often furniture or containers, as vehicles to discuss private experiences in an approachable manner. While creating my art, I analyze how such a common form can hold so much meaning.
My current work has taken a shift from revolving around my personal struggles to discussing issues of social justice. Most recently I learned to use a sewing machine to replicate my own t-shirt in order to comment on consumerism and capitalism. In the process of deconstructing the piece of clothing into a fabric blueprint and sewing it together I become aware of the labor and exploitation hidden within the garment industry."