Grew up in an artistic family. I love creating unique items from natural items using many techniques. I work with wood and gourds to create
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love working with nature, wood, gourds, pine needles, anything I can use to create my artwork with. My gourds are either Leather dye stained or done with inks and the sealed with both a UV sealant and water proof seal. I look at the gourd or wood at let it lead me to the hidden art inside it.
Where do you find inspiration?From the wood or materials used. I have Cherokee and Navajo bloodline and my work is a cross of nature and heritage. Nature is full of hidden inspiration waiting to be found. I had the privilege to grow up in a arts and craftsman family, learning many art, wood and even metal techniques I use today. I also create jewelry out of recycled common items. I love to always learn a new skill and figure out how to include it into my art media.
What would you do with $25,000?I want to create a studio that children or adults can learn old almost lost skills so that old ways of creating artistic but useful items for use or to just admire. My life as an artist has introduced me to many artist that share the same idea, so a studio where rotating artist can teach has been a dream of mine for many years.
Vote for John Smedley to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
