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"My work is
about inner realities as much as it is about
impressions of how things are seen, as opposed to
what might be reality. The rural tone of them, the
overlay of cosmos, the passion to soar- all those
things are paramount in my own intimate perceptions
of the world. My work is a way of describing these
inner things, a way of affirming personal hopes and
beliefs."-
Dennis Smith,
journal excerpt.
The innocence of
childhood. Memories, hopes and celebrations.
Expressions and gestures, preserved forever. The art
of Dennis Smith, whether it’s a sculpture, painting
or assemblage, takes us to another time.
Dennis Smith
is as much a philosopher as he is an artist. His
work is a window into who he is and his views on
life. His impressionistic style captures his
exuberance for life and embodies his passion for
transcendence- expressed through the spontaneity of
children, reflections of the past, hopes for the
future.
At the core
of Dennis’ work is the spirit of the human soul. We
often see this represented through the innocence of
childhood. To Dennis, the child is a metaphor for
life. Children’s lives, as they explore the world
around them, parallel our lives as adults, as we
discover our identity in this universe. Each piece
by Dennis Smith captures this spirit, still vibrant
and alive, frozen in that moment of discovery.
Bronze,
metal, glass, oil paint, pen and ink. Dennis Smith
is a versatile artists who doesn’t limit himself to
one medium. Although he is most widely known for his
bronze sculptures of children, his flying machines
and assemblages also portray his exuberance for
life. Abstract and machine-like, yet whimsical and
approachable, these pieces represent the imaginings
of childhood.
Dennis’
vibrant paintings, essays and poetry give you an
even deeper look into who he is. They too, express
his passion for transcendence- often focusing on the
memories that help us celebrate the simple, yet
important moments in life.
Born and
raised in Alpine, Utah, Dennis continues to find
inspiration for his work in this beautiful mountain
setting. After graduating from Brigham Young
University and attending the Royal Academy of Art in
Copenhagen, he returned to Utah, set up a studio in
his father’s old chicken coop, and embarked on a
career that would include sculpture, painting, and
writing- gaining international prominence along the
way. |
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Apple Tree House |
Tobogganers |
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Deep Snow |
Beginnings |
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Girl Reading |
End Over End |
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Listening |
Gloucester |
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Skater |
Norby |
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New Snow |
Snowfield |
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Waiting to Cross |
Last Ball |
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