Heart of Art: Meg Smith - Art & Design

November 04, 2021

Get to know Meg through our interview with her, below:

As a passionate outdoor explorer and athlete with professional training in design, my work combines an eye for style with a tangible feeling of being in wild places. I strive to convert the inspiration I receive from deep snow, flowing water and the natural world surrounding me into every piece. I began as a realism artist, achieved a BFA in graphic design and immersed myself in commercial graphic design for the last ten years. These elements continue to influence my fine art. I love to challenge myself by blending the conceptual with the realistic in my work.I am a professional fine artist and graphic designer based in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. When I am not creating, you can find me journeying through the mountains, exploring the ocean or flying around the sky.

The first step to any art piece is inspiration. Inspiration for me comes through experiences in my life. I take the vision / feeling from an experience recreate it onto a canvas. Sometimes I sketch it out first and other times I just go for it. I figure out what color platte I want to use and mix the colors. Then I get dive into the creative flow.

"The overwhelming beauty and power of nature inspires me to create."

What is your favorite Medium?

Soft Pastel. I love using my fingers to create art. Even though you do see me create in the much, it has always been my favorite. 

 

When did you take the leap to make art & design your main endeavor?

I went to school for graphic design and straight out of college I started my own business. I was fine with living off of what I could make then and have some fun side jobs that where a part of what I wanted to experience in life (ex: whitewater raft guide, safety kayaker and photo boater / commercial fisherman / ski instructor) I’ve been building my business from the day I graduated and at some point have let go of the fun side jobs. But that is not to say I wouldn’t try to experience another one at some point.

What is your favorite way to overcome creative blocks?

 

Not push it. Go outside and be in nature.

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska?

Fly my plane to explore & experience new areas.

 

Tell us about your passion as an Alaska bush pilot (what got you into it, if it influences your life or art, anything you'd like us to know)?

Oh boy, this goes way back to when I was a child. My dad was an airplane mechanic and I grew up running around in airplanes, crawling under all the seats like a jungle gym to find and stick all the little wings stickers all over me. I’ve always wanted to be a pilot flying small airplanes into the wild. Growing up in Pennsylvania (which is a huge aviation manufacturing hub) I never really thought I'd get there.

 

When I moved to AK, it started to seem more practical and not as crazy of a feat. As I flew in more small planes and experienced Alaska and life in a way I never have before, I knew I had to make it happen and there came a day where I was not going to wait anymore to make that dream a reality. So I just went for it. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Just do it. Let go of what you think others might think of your artwork and put yourself out there. You never know what experiences as an artist or opportunities might arise from it. Start small, find a local venue that might be interested in showcasing your work and go for it!

 

 

“Something I’ve learned and would like to share is that life is not a straightforward path, being human is messy. Be kind to yourself and try to always find the courage to do what is best for you. You have one life to live, so do what makes you happy. And always cherish the time you have with the people you love.”

 

We are grateful to carry such incredible work from artists with big hearts and burning passions here at Forests, Tides & Treasures, and consider many of them family. Thank you to Meg Smith for interviewing with us and bringing us through her Alaskan journey. It is our goal at FTT to bridge the gap between artist and consumer and embrace the humanity that we all share. After all, we are better together.

Meg Smith's artwork is currently featured on the AlaskaUSA Visa Credit Card!
Learn more about Meg & her collaboration with them by clicking here.

To view (or bring home) Meg's work currently featured here at  Forests, Tides & Treasures, click here. 

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