Angela Smith

My name is Angela Smith, I am a conceptual printmaker born and raised in San José. My work often focuses on the dualities that humanity has enforced upon itself, physically and spiritually. Everywhere I look in this world I find inspiration in these dualities, which despite the pain also highlight the resilience of humanity. As an empath and an artist, I try my best to weave the love, pain, and power of humanity into every aspect of my work.

What does "liberation" mean to you?

Liberation is freedom or no fear; No fear of institutional and governmental systems, no fear of toxins in the air, water, and soil. No fear of living in one’s truth. Liberation is the lifetime work of healing that frees us from all of these fears.

Is your creative practice one of liberation?

Printmaking has historically been used as a method to disseminate information to the masses. In that same tradition, I create political images and messages to spread throughout my community to inspire and awaken people to their own power and responsibility to a situation. Through this process, I try to empower both my community and I to address these difficult issues that call on us to change ourselves first.

How can art be a tool in the revolution?

Art can reach the heart in ways that words alone may not be able to reach. Art can cross language barriers and still spark an emotional connection to humanity. As artists we function as the scribes of our time, we can be the ones to write our stories.

Share a little bit about your creative process!

Projects are usually inspired by deep discussions, books, and research journals, that deconstruct and define the marginalization experienced at various specific intersections of identity. Once I’ve collected enough factual historical information, I create or re-appropriate relevant and symbolic images to print and collage together. I often combine mediums and materials to reflect how multifaceted our world and experiences are. A favorite material to include are mirrors; more than anything I want people to see themselves and their power to create change, in the scenes I depict.

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