Jean Smith

Lives and works in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Artist statement

When we make things, we find our associates and allies. We find our communities, and everything that comes along with that, including the power to resist and reasons for actual joy. As a novelist, I created characters by showing readers action that reveals nuanced personality traits. That approach is connected to how and why I paint faces. Instead of words, I have paint, color, composition and the long history of conventional portraiture—much of which I reject in favor of finding my own ways to convey varying degrees of emotion on faces. Painting becomes an act of resistance. Of course, in painting likenesses, many artists are hindered by having to fiddle around to get the features right as well as staying within acceptable facial expressions and styles. All of this is attached to payment for work. I paint from photos I find online and have no obligation to portray likeness, beauty or any other trait women are expected to display. There aren't any forced smiles in my work. I tend to encourage whatever arrives out of the confidence I start a painting with. Rather than conformity, I develop attitudes that run counter to societal norms, sometimes creating potential contradictions that can arise with make-up and sensual overtones. As the singer in the rock duo Mecca Normal, I thrive in the work cycle that starts with writing, rehearsing and recording songs that at some point are taken out on tour to perform live in front of audiences. I brought this performative sensibility to...

Artwork